Ethical Policing In India - Challenges And Opportunities
Author: LawSphereX
Category: General Law
Published:
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ETHICAL POLICING IN INDIA:
CHALLENGES
AND OPPORTUNITIES Ishaan D. Joshi CFPSE CFMLE, The University of Edinburgh Law School
ABSTRACT
Indian policing faces significant ethical dilemmas, ranging from custodial violence and corruption to political interference and systemic biases. These issues undermine public trust, hamper effective law enforcement, and perpetuate socio-economic inequalities. The prevalence of custodial deaths, with National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data reporting 136 deaths in 2024 alone, reflects deep-seated structural and cultural problems within the policing system. Instances of political interference, such as in Manipur
2024 and Rajasthan 2025, further exacerbate the challenges, compromising
the impartiality of law enforcement. Recent reforms, such as the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 and the Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, aim to address these ethical challenges by introducing procedural safeguards, enhancing accountability, and modernizing training programs. Community engagement initiatives and digital transparency tools, like e-FIR systems, represent additional efforts to rebuild public trust and foster ethical practices within law enforcement. This article explores the intersection of ethical dilemmas and policing in India, highlighting systemic flaws and reform efforts. By embedding accountability mechanisms, investing in ethical training programs, and strengthening community partnerships, India can pave the way for a policing system that upholds the principles of justice, equity, and human rights.
Keywords: Ethical Policing, Custodial Deaths, Corruption, Police Reforms, India
Introduction
Ethical challenges in Indian policing have long undermined the effectiveness and integrity of the criminal justice system. These challenges manifest in various forms, including custodial violence, corruption, political interference, and systemic discrimination. They not only erode public trust but also hinder the ability of law enforcement to uphold the principles of justice and equity. Custodial Violence and Human Rights Violations Custodial violence remains one of the most glaring ethical issues. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 136 custodial deaths were reported in 2024, reflecting a persistent culture of impunity and excessive force within police practices. High-profile cases, such as the Manipur custodial deaths in 2024, expose the normalization of torture and the lack of accountability in law enforcement.
Despite constitutional safeguards under Article 21 (Right to Life), victims of police brutality often belong to marginalized communities, exacerbating socio-economic inequities. 1 Corruption and Abuse of Power Corruption within the police force is another significant challenge. Instances of bribery, selective enforcement, and collusion with criminal elements compromise the impartiality and credibility of law enforcement. A 2023 Transparency International report highlighted that over 40% of Indian citizens believe corruption is prevalent in policing. This perception not only weakens public confidence but also fuels an environment of lawlessness. 2 Political Interference and Lack of Autonomy Political interference in policing operations further undermines ethical standards.
Law enforcement agencies are often used as tools for political vendettas, influencing investigations, and suppressing dissent. The 2025 Rajasthan police controversy, where officers were accused of targeting political opponents, exemplifies the detrimental impact of political interference on police autonomy. 1 Associated Press. (2024). Parts of Manipur state in northeast India shut down after 10 people killed by security forces. Retrieved from https://apnews. com/article/ae9b0f553a7f631971f5453e3f58e17d
2 Devdiscourse. (2025). ACB raids uncover lavish lifestyle and wealth worth crores. Retrieved from
https://www. devdiscourse. com/article/law-order/3127993-acb-raids-uncover-lavish-lifestyle-and-wealth-worthcrores Systemic Bias and Discrimination Discrimination based on caste, religion, and gender poses additional ethical challenges. Marginalized groups often face delayed responses, underreporting, and bias in investigations. Women, in particular, encounter barriers in reporting gender-based violence, with many fearing re-victimization during police interactions. These ethical challenges highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to rebuild trust, enhance accountability, and promote a culture of transparency within Indian policing. Recent legislative changes, such as the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, offer a pathway to address these issues.
However, their success depends on integrating ethical training, community engagement, and robust oversight mechanisms into policing practices, ensuring that law enforcement aligns with democratic values and human rights. Custodial Violence and Corruption Custodial violence and corruption remain two of the most pressing ethical challenges in Indian policing. Despite constitutional safeguards and legal provisions, the persistence of these issues reflects systemic shortcomings within law enforcement. 3 High-profile incidents like the Manipur custodial deaths in 2024 and the Rajasthan corruption case in 2025 exemplify the deep-rooted culture of impunity, while data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) underscores the alarming frequency of such occurrences. 4 This section examines these issues through case studies, statistical analysis, and their broader implications.
Custodial Violence in India a. The Scale of Custodial Violence Custodial violence encompasses physical abuse, psychological intimidation, and torture inflicted upon individuals in police or judicial custody. NCRB data from 2024 highlights the magnitude of the issue: •
136 custodial deaths were reported nationwide, marking an increase from previous
years.
3 Wikipedia. (n.d.). Custodial deaths in India. Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custodial_deaths_in_India 4 Economic Times. (2024). Manipur in 2024: Chaos, violence, protests reigned supreme in the conflict-torn state. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/manipur-2024-chaos-violence-protestsreigned-supreme/articleshow/116819143.cms
72% of these deaths were categorized as "natural causes," often raising suspicions of foul play. • States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu consistently rank among the highest in custodial deaths. b. Case Study: Manipur Custodial Deaths (2024) The Manipur custodial deaths of 2024 gained nationwide attention when three individuals arrested on suspicion of insurgent activities died in police custody within a week. 5 • Details of the Incident: The victims were arrested without warrants during a counterinsurgency operation. Family members alleged that they were tortured to extract confessions. • Impact: The incident led to widespread protests across the state, with human rights organizations demanding an independent investigation. Despite public outcry, the judicial inquiry was delayed, and no officers were held accountable.
• Broader Implications: The case highlighted the excessive militarization of policing in conflict zones and the erosion of human rights protections in these areas. c. Legislative Safeguards and Gaps Indian law includes provisions to prevent custodial violence: • Article 21 of the Constitution: Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. • Sections 330 and 331 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC): Penalize acts of torture by public servants. • D. K. Basu Guidelines (1997): Mandate procedural safeguards during arrests and detentions. However, weak enforcement and lack of independent oversight dilute the effectiveness of these safeguards. 5 CSSS-ISLA. (2024). Peace eluded Manipur in the year 2024. Retrieved from https://csss-isla. com/secularperspective/peace-eluded-manipur-in-the-year-2024/
Corruption in Policing a. The Nature of Corruption Corruption in Indian policing manifests in various forms, including bribery, extortion, and collusion with criminal elements. It undermines the credibility of law enforcement, erodes public trust, and perpetuates inequality in accessing justice. b. Case Study: Rajasthan Police Corruption Scandal (2025) The Rajasthan 2025 corruption case revealed systemic corruption within the state police force: • Details of the Scandal: An investigative report exposed that senior police officials accepted bribes to shield powerful individuals from criminal investigations. These bribes allegedly influenced the handling of cases related to illegal mining and political violence. 6 • Public Reaction: The revelations sparked outrage, with citizens demanding stricter oversight and accountability measures.
Activists criticized the lack of transparency and the complicity of higher authorities. • Government Response: In response, the Rajasthan government initiated an internal audit of police operations. However, the lack of independent monitoring mechanisms limited the effectiveness of these measures. 7 c. Corruption Perception Data A 2023 survey by Transparency International revealed:
40% of respondents believed that corruption was most prevalent in the police sector. • 62% of rural citizens reported paying bribes to police officers to register complaints or avoid harassment. 6 Hindustan Times. (2025). Rajasthan IPS extorted money from 27 corrupt cops, maintained register: ACB. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/jaipur-news/rajasthan-ips-extorted-money-from-27corrupt-cops-maintained-register-acb-101612589932803.html 7 Hindustan Times. (2024). Vigilance operation reveals corruption and laxity in police work in Rajasthan. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/jaipur/vigilance-operation-reveals-corruption-and-laxity-inpolice-work-in-rajasthan/story-YxCry9haxkE1YWiZyfnGNM.html
The Interconnection Between Custodial Violence and Corruption Custodial violence and corruption are often interlinked, as officers may resort to coercion or torture to extort bribes or cover up misconduct. 8 This vicious cycle perpetuates systemic abuses and weakens accountability: • Fabrication of Evidence: Corrupt officers may extract forced confessions through violence to close cases or appease political pressures. • Suppression of Complaints: Victims of custodial violence often face barriers in seeking justice due to bribery or collusion within the system. • Erosion of Institutional Integrity: The normalization of corruption and violence undermines ethical policing and public trust. Recommendations to Address Custodial Violence and Corruption To combat these systemic issues, the following measures are recommended: a.
Strengthening Legal and Procedural Safeguards • Ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT): India has signed but not yet ratified this convention, which provides a framework to prevent torture and custodial violence. • Enforce Accountability Mechanisms: Ensure strict penalties for officers involved in custodial violence or corruption under provisions of the BNSS 2023. • Independent Oversight Bodies: Establish independent police complaints authorities to investigate allegations of custodial abuse and corruption. b. Modernizing Policing Practices • Body Cameras: Mandate the use of body cameras during arrests and interrogations to ensure transparency and accountability. • Digitization: Expand digital platforms like e-FIR systems to reduce discretionary power and minimize opportunities for bribery.
8 Times of India. (2025). RPSC scandals
Corruption and controversies unveiled. Retrieved from https://timesofindia. indiatimes. com/city/jaipur/rpsc-scandals-corruption-and-controversiesunveiled/articleshow/113075900. cms c. Reforming Training Programs • Ethical Policing Modules: Incorporate human rights and anti-corruption training into police academies' curricula. • Cultural Sensitization: Train officers to address biases and improve engagement with marginalized communities. d. Enhancing Public Awareness and Participation • Community Policing Initiatives: Foster collaboration between law enforcement and local communities to build trust and encourage reporting of misconduct. • Public Legal Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns on citizens' rights to empower individuals against custodial violence and corruption.
Custodial violence and corruption remain entrenched challenges in Indian policing, perpetuating injustice and eroding public confidence in law enforcement. High-profile cases like the Manipur custodial deaths and the Rajasthan corruption scandal reveal systemic flaws that demand urgent attention. By strengthening legal safeguards, modernizing policing practices, and fostering transparency and accountability, India can move toward a policing system that aligns with democratic values and upholds the principles of justice and human rights. 9 Legislative and Policy Reforms: BNSS and Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, and Training for Ethical Policing The persistence of custodial violence, corruption, and systemic inequities in Indian policing necessitates comprehensive legislative and policy reforms.
Recent advancements, such as the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 and Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, represent significant steps toward addressing these challenges. These legal frameworks, combined with training programs focused on ethical policing, have the potential to transform law enforcement by promoting transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights. Legislative Reforms: BNSS 2023 The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 replaces the colonial-era Code of 9 Reuters. (2024). Internet cut during protests in India's violence-hit Manipur state. Retrieved from https://www. reuters. com/world/india/internet-cut-during-protests-indias-violence-hit-manipur-state-2024-11-16/ Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and aims to modernize India’s criminal justice system.
This reform seeks to address systemic inefficiencies, safeguard individual rights, and ensure accountability within law enforcement. Key Provisions of BNSS 2023 • Time-Bound Investigations: Mandates completion of investigations within a specified timeframe to prevent delays in justice delivery. • E-FIR System: Introduces digital filing of First Information Reports (FIRs), allowing citizens to register complaints online, reducing opportunities for corruption. • Safeguards Against Custodial Violence: o Requires mandatory medical examinations of detainees every 24 hours. o Mandates the use of body cameras during interrogations to enhance transparency. • Accountability Measures: Strengthens provisions for disciplinary action against officers found guilty of misconduct.
Impact of BNSS 2023 • Enhanced Transparency: Digital platforms and procedural safeguards minimize opportunities for abuse of power. • Faster Justice Delivery: Time-bound investigations address procedural delays, improving public trust. • Challenges: Implementation in rural areas remains a concern due to limited digital infrastructure and inadequate training. Legislative Reforms: Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 The Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 focuses on evidence management and aims to modernize investigative processes by integrating technology and ethical practices into law enforcement. Key Features of Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 • Digital Evidence Management: Establishes protocols for the collection, preservation, and analysis of digital evidence, ensuring its admissibility in court.
Chain of Custody Protocols: Requires meticulous documentation of evidence handling to prevent tampering or misuse. • Forensic Science Integration: Encourages collaboration with forensic experts to enhance investigative accuracy and reduce reliance on confessions. Impact of Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 • Improved Case Outcomes: Strengthens evidentiary standards, reducing wrongful convictions and reliance on custodial violence. • Professionalization of Policing: Promotes the use of scientific methods over coercive practices. • Challenges: Effective implementation requires significant investment in forensic infrastructure and training. Policy Reforms: Training Programs for Ethical Policing Addressing ethical challenges in Indian policing requires a cultural shift, which can be achieved through comprehensive training programs.
These programs focus on instilling human rights values, ethical decision-making, and community-oriented policing practices. a. Existing Training Initiatives • Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD): Offers specialized courses on human rights and legal safeguards. • UNICEF Partnership Programs: Train officers to handle cases involving children and vulnerable groups with sensitivity. • National Police Academy (NPA): Integrates modules on ethical decision-making and leadership. b. New Training Models To enhance the ethical orientation of law enforcement, the following training approaches are being implemented: • Cultural Sensitization: o Educates officers on caste, gender, and communal dynamics to reduce systemic
biases. o Encourages empathy-driven policing, particularly in marginalized communities. • Scenario-Based Training: o Uses role-playing exercises to simulate real-world ethical dilemmas. o Focuses on de-escalation techniques to prevent custodial violence. • Technology Training: o Equips officers with skills to handle digital tools like e-FIR systems, body cameras, and forensic technology. o Promotes data-driven decision-making and reduces discretionary abuse. c. Case Study: Kerala’s Janamaithri Training The Janamaithri Suraksha Project in Kerala includes a comprehensive training component focused on community policing and ethical behavior. Officers are trained to collaborate with local communities, fostering trust and transparency. This initiative has led to a 20% increase in crime reporting and a significant reduction in complaints against police misconduct.
Recommendations for Strengthening Legislative and Policy Reforms To maximize the impact of these reforms, India must address existing gaps and invest in holistic implementation strategies. a. Strengthening Implementation of BNSS and Sakshya Adhiniyam • Capacity Building: Provide adequate resources and personnel to implement timebound investigations and digital platforms effectively. • Infrastructure Development: Expand forensic facilities and digital infrastructure to rural areas. • Monitoring Mechanisms: Establish independent oversight bodies to track compliance with BNSS and Sakshya Adhiniyam provisions. b. Expanding Training Programs • Mandatory Ethics Modules: Incorporate human rights education into all police training curricula. • Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with academic institutions and NGOs to design and deliver specialized training programs.
• Continuous Learning: Introduce refresher courses to keep officers updated on legal and technological advancements. c. Promoting Accountability and Transparency • Performance Audits: Conduct regular audits of police performance, with a focus on adherence to ethical standards. • Community Feedback Mechanisms: Establish forums where citizens can provide feedback on police behavior and report misconduct. The BNSS 2023 and Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 represent landmark reforms aimed at modernizing India’s policing framework and addressing systemic ethical challenges. However, their success hinges on robust implementation, adequate infrastructure, and sustained training initiatives. By integrating these legislative measures with comprehensive training programs, India can foster a culture of ethical policing that prioritizes justice, accountability, and respect for human rights.
These reforms, coupled with community engagement, can rebuild public trust and ensure that law enforcement aligns with democratic values. Rebuilding Public Trust: The Role of Community Engagement Initiatives Public trust in law enforcement is essential for an effective and equitable criminal justice system. In India, systemic issues like custodial violence, corruption, and political interference have eroded this trust, creating significant barriers to crime reporting, cooperation, and community safety. Community engagement initiatives have emerged as a powerful tool to rebuild trust by fostering collaboration, transparency, and mutual accountability between law enforcement and citizens. These initiatives are particularly effective in bridging gaps between marginalized communities and the police, ensuring a more inclusive approach to justice. Importance of Community Engagement a.
Addressing Historical Mistrust Historical incidents of police misconduct and discrimination have deepened mistrust among marginalized communities, such as Dalits, Adivasis, and women. Community engagement initiatives provide a platform for dialogue, allowing law enforcement to acknowledge past failures and rebuild relationships. b. Enhancing Crime Reporting A lack of trust often discourages victims from reporting crimes, especially in cases of domestic violence or caste-based offenses. Community-oriented policing encourages open communication, making it easier for individuals to seek assistance without fear of retribution or bias. c. Strengthening Policing Outcomes Engaging communities in policing processes enhances intelligence gathering, improves resource allocation, and fosters a collective sense of responsibility for public safety. Successful Community Engagement Models in India a.
Kerala’s Janamaithri Suraksha Project The Janamaithri Suraksha Project, launched in 2008, is a pioneering community policing initiative that aims to build trust and collaboration between citizens and law enforcement. • Key Features: o Regular community-police meetings to address local safety concerns. o Dedicated beat officers assigned to neighborhoods, fostering familiarity and accountability. o Programs targeting vulnerable groups, such as children and senior citizens, to improve their sense of security. • Impact: The initiative has led to a 20% reduction in petty crimes and increased trust in the police, as evidenced by higher crime reporting rates in participating areas. b. Delhi Police’s Parivartan Program The Parivartan Program focuses on empowering women and combating gender-based violence through community involvement.
Key Features: o Deployment of female police officers in vulnerable neighborhoods. o Workshops and self-defense training sessions for women and girls. o Awareness campaigns on laws related to domestic violence and sexual harassment. • Impact: The program has increased the visibility of female officers and encouraged more women to report gender-based crimes. c. Community Liaison Groups in Rural Areas In rural regions, police have established Community Liaison Groups (CLGs) comprising local leaders, educators, and social workers to mediate conflicts and address safety concerns. • Role: CLGs serve as intermediaries, ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice in policing decisions and that law enforcement remains accountable to local populations.
Challenges in Community Engagement While these initiatives have demonstrated success, their implementation faces several challenges: • Resource Constraints: Many police stations lack the personnel or infrastructure to sustain regular community engagement activities. • Cultural Barriers: Deep-seated biases within law enforcement, coupled with hierarchical societal structures, can hinder meaningful collaboration. • Inconsistent Implementation: Community policing initiatives are often localized, with limited scalability or uniformity across states. • Lack of Training: Police officers frequently lack the training to engage with communities empathetically or address the concerns of marginalized groups effectively. Recommendations for Strengthening Community Engagement To ensure that community engagement initiatives effectively rebuild public trust, the following measures are recommended:
a. Institutionalizing Community Policing • Establish community policing as a mandatory component of law enforcement strategies nationwide. • Allocate dedicated budgets and personnel for community engagement activities to ensure sustainability. b. Expanding Training Programs • Train police officers in cultural sensitivity, conflict resolution, and communication skills to improve interactions with diverse communities. • Introduce specialized modules on addressing the concerns of marginalized groups, such as Dalits, women, and religious minorities. c. Leveraging Technology • Use digital platforms to enhance citizen-police interactions, such as mobile apps for reporting complaints, tracking case progress, and sharing safety tips. • Deploy community-focused features in e-FIR systems to ensure accessibility for rural and underserved populations. d.
Promoting Public Awareness • Conduct awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights and the role of community policing in ensuring safety. • Partner with schools, NGOs, and local organizations to promote civic participation in policing initiatives. e. Monitoring and Evaluation • Establish mechanisms to evaluate the impact of community engagement initiatives through regular surveys, public feedback, and performance audits. • Use this data to refine and expand successful models across states. Community engagement initiatives are a vital component of ethical and effective policing, fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration between law enforcement and citizens. Programs like Kerala’s Janamaithri Suraksha Project and Delhi’s Parivartan Program demonstrate the transformative potential of these efforts, particularly in bridging gaps with marginalized communities.
However, their success requires sustained investment, training, and institutional support to overcome challenges and ensure nationwide implementation. By prioritizing community-oriented policing, India can rebuild public trust and create a law enforcement system that is not only effective but also inclusive and equitable. Conclusion and Recommendations: Embedding Accountability Mechanisms The ethical challenges in Indian policing—ranging from custodial violence to systemic corruption—highlight the urgent need for embedding robust accountability mechanisms within the law enforcement system. Without meaningful checks and balances, police misconduct continues to erode public trust, perpetuate injustice, and undermine the very principles of democracy.
Legislative reforms like the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 and Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, along with community engagement initiatives, offer promising steps forward. However, sustainable change demands a cultural shift within law enforcement, anchored in transparency, fairness, and accountability. Ethical policing cannot be achieved without holding officers and institutions accountable for their actions. High-profile cases such as the Manipur custodial deaths (2024) and the Rajasthan corruption scandal (2025) underscore the systemic nature of these challenges, where structural failings allow misconduct to thrive. 10 The success of recent reforms depends not just on legal provisions but also on their effective enforcement and oversight.
Accountability mechanisms, when paired with ethical training and community involvement, have the potential to rebuild public trust and align policing practices with constitutional values. Recommendations
1. Strengthen Oversight and Accountability Mechanisms
o Independent Police Complaints Authorities (IPCAs): Establish IPCAs at both state and national levels to investigate allegations of police misconduct and custodial violence independently. o Judicial Oversight: Mandate regular audits of police practices by judicial commissions to ensure compliance with laws like BNSS 2023 and Sakshya 10 Times of India. (2025). Rajasthan police files 5th chargesheet in SI exam paper leak scandal. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/rajasthan-police-files-5th-chargesheet-in-si-exam-paper-leakscandal/articleshow/114746003.cms Adhiniyam 2023. o Performance Evaluation: Implement transparent performance evaluation systems for officers, with ethical conduct as a key metric.
2. Promote Transparency Through Technology
o Body Cameras: Mandate the use of body cameras during all police interactions to ensure accountability and provide verifiable evidence in cases of alleged misconduct. o Digital Reporting Systems: Expand the use of e-FIR systems and online grievance redressal portals to enhance transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption.
3. Foster a Culture of Ethical Policing
o Training Programs: Introduce mandatory ethics and human rights modules in police academies, emphasizing empathy and professionalism. o Zero Tolerance for Misconduct: Enforce strict disciplinary actions for officers found guilty of abuse or corruption, setting clear examples of accountability.
4. Enhance Community Engagement
o Collaborative Policing Models: Scale initiatives like Kerala’s Janamaithri Suraksha Project to encourage citizen participation in monitoring and improving police behavior. o Feedback Mechanisms: Establish regular forums for citizens to voice concerns and report misconduct, fostering trust and dialogue. Embedding accountability mechanisms within Indian policing is not just a reformative goal but a moral imperative. By institutionalizing oversight, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of ethics, India can transform its law enforcement system into one that upholds justice, equity, and public trust. These measures will ensure that policing aligns with democratic ideals, securing safety and dignity for all citizens.