New Delhi, September 16: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant emphasized on Wednesday that the operations of the police and the functioning of courts are intrinsically linked, forming a continuous chain in the administration of justice.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the CJI made these remarks during the launch of a book titled “Beyond the Uniform: Duty, Discretion and Public Trust,” authored by former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer O.P. Mishra. He stated that a meticulously recorded First Information Report (FIR) or a fairly conducted investigation by the police significantly enhances the likelihood of justice being delivered by the courts.
Conversely, the Chief Justice noted that even the most diligent court cannot entirely rectify the damage caused if the initial stages of the judicial process are compromised. He also commended the police for their role in ensuring the smooth execution of the 18th BRICS Summit, highlighting the extensive behind-the-scenes efforts such as securing routes and venues, managing traffic, providing security for delegates, and maintaining round-the-clock vigilance.
“The work of the police and the work of the courts form one continuous chain in the administration of justice. The judiciary inherits, quite literally, what the police places before it,” CJI Surya Kant stated.
The event was also attended by former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar and Sanjaya Baru, who previously served as an advisor to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Both also offered their perspectives on the occasion.
CJI Surya Kant elaborated on the concept of duty for police personnel, asserting that it must encompass not only adherence to the letter of the law but also a commitment to the underlying purpose for which the law bestows power upon officers.
“The authority to investigate, to arrest, to regulate movement and to maintain public order is neither an ornament of office nor an end in itself. It is ultimately a responsibility held on behalf of the people,” he said, underscoring the public trust placed in law enforcement.
The Chief Justice further explained that the responsibilities of the police extend beyond the immediate aftermath of a crime, the gathering of a crowd, or the onset of an emergency. He stressed the importance of proactive measures, including preparation, intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination, vulnerability assessment, and ensuring the readiness of the legal machinery before critical moments arise.
“Indeed, some of the finest police work is precisely that which prevents a difficult situation from ever becoming a crisis,” he remarked, pointing to the value of preventative policing.
Justice Kant also addressed the expectations placed upon police personnel to act with courage, composure, and sensitivity at all times. He argued that society must provide the conducive environment necessary for these qualities to thrive. He listed proper training, access to modern investigative resources, effective leadership, reasonable working conditions, and attention to the physical and emotional well-being of officers as crucial elements.
These provisions, he emphasized, are not peripheral concerns but rather form the fundamental bedrock of citizen-friendly policing.
The Chenab Times News Desk