Introduction:

In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has directed the State Police Chief to ensure sophisticated and refined conduct of police officers towards citizens, emphasizing that no one is lesser than the other in the nation. The court addressed abusive language used by a police officer against an advocate and stressed the need for police officers to treat every citizen with respect as mandated by the Constitution of India.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The petitioner’s counsel, Advocates Yeshwanth Shenoy and Dhanuja M S, highlighted the contempt petition, alleging a violation of the court’s earlier directions to refrain from using disrespectful language. Government Pleader Sunil Kumar Kuriakose represented the respondent, providing assurance from the State Police Chief about transformative steps within the police department.

Court’s Judgement:

The court acknowledged the steps taken by the State Police Chief but emphasized the necessity of further measures, directing the issuance of an additional circular with a stern warning against abusive vocatives. Justice Devan Ramachandran asserted the constitutional equality of all citizens and cautioned against allowing police officers to behave arbitrarily. The court issued a notice to the concerned police officer, who has been transferred, and initiated an inquiry based on the seriousness of the allegations.