In 60 police stations in Hyderabad lock-up rooms will cease functioning and be turned to rest rooms for policemen. Lock-ups instead will be only where there is an officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Though not explicitly stated, the reason is because many injustices are committed in field station lock-ups. As the police is often the first contact the public has with the state, alienation and distrust of the people grows. The move seeks to eliminate abuse at the lower levels.

Reforming the police force country-wide is a task India must undertake soon, if confidence in fair enforcement of law is to be restored. The Hyderabad move is a tiny one - but in the right direction.