Sep 22, 2006 :: Supreme Court strikes two blows

In just one week India’s Supreme Court struck two blows in favour of furthering democracy.

In a landmark judgment, a 3 member bench headed by the Chief Justice directed the government to implement the reforms suggested by various National Police Commissions [NPC] since 1979. Now reforms cannot be postponed after January 2007.

The malaise of politician-police nexus is due to the powers vested in the former to appoint and transfer of police officers at will and convenience. Various NPCs have concurred that this nexus is best broken by independent bodies to manage this function. Separation of criminal investigation from maintaining law and order is another measure expected to come into force. Collusion to protect criminals who serve political ends can be expected to diminish. The full judgment

The same week the Supreme Court also ordered implementation of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations to regulate elections in universities. These have been proxy battlefields for political parties. Now “students” above 28, those with criminal records or with less than 75% attendance are barred from participating in elections. There are other measures as well.
 Commentary