New Delhi, April 1
Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Friday offered a straightforward advice to police officers complaining about harassment after government change, asking them to be impartial, saying “when you endear yourself to powers, you will have to face consequences”.
He also said that the CBI’s credibility has come under deep public scrutiny with the passage of time as its actions and inactions have raised questions in some cases, and called for creating an “independent umbrella institution” to bring various investigating agencies under one roof.
Delivering the 19th DP Kohli Memorial Lecture on CBI foundation Day on ‘Democracy: Role and Responsibilities of Investigative Agencies’, the CJI said despite having many achievements to its credit, with some personnel making the supreme sacrifice, it is ironical that people hesitate to approach police in times of despair.
He said the image of the institution of police is regrettably tarnished by allegations of corruption, police excesses, lack of impartiality and close nexus with the political class.
“Often, the police officers approach us with the complaint that they are being harassed after the change in the regime. When you try to endear yourselves to the powers, you will have to face the consequences,” he said.
