Force of law: On the Delhi police

The extent and the nature of police action, which continues in Delhi against student protesters, remain a matter of grave concern for India’s democracy. The Supreme Court of India is seized of the matter , but it has done little so far to restrain the police, which appears to be acting outside of the law. To have an independent inquiry that examines the allegations being raised — as is being considered by the Court — is one thing. But an accountable police force would have swiftly acted to preserve its own honour and reputation, considering what is already available in the public domain. Its male officers in uniform appear in videos slapping a woman protester, and attempting to bring down a lathi on the private parts of a girl. The Delhi police is actively pursuing protesters who were apparently present at the protest site, using facial-recognition and other surveillance technologies, the legality of which remains dubious and controversial. Yet, it has offered no response regarding the identity of the officer seen openly assaulting a young woman at a public gathering. The Delhi police would not require any software or Court intervention to identify and hold its own personnel accountable. All it needs is professionalism and a strict adherence to the principle of the rule of law.