Question.
A peaceful protest was carried out by a group of milk traders. The Superintendent of Police Instructs the Police Officials to prevent the group from committing any type of violence. He, however, tells them to "teach them a lesson ", if the situation warrants. A Police Official on duty indulges in an argument with a protestor and beats him up. When inquired about his actions, he says that he was told to teach a lesson by the Superintendent of Police. Give your comment on the ethical behavior of both the Superintendent of Police and Police Officials in light of the above-mentioned incident.
(UPPSC GS paper 4 2021)
Answer.
In India, the Superintendent of Police (SP) is the highest police officer at the district level and has a key role in maintaining law and order in the district and is responsible for the overall management of the police force in his district.
It is the moral and legal duty of the Superintendent of Police to give necessary directions to the police officials to ensure public safety and maintain peace and law and order. However, his instruction to "teach them a lesson ", if the situation warrants are highly offensive (violent) and unethical. Because the interpretation of this directive is vague and cruel (violent) and may incite violence as well as endanger the lives of milk traders doing peaceful protests.
It is the legal duty of police officials to follow the directions given by the Superintendent of Police. However, arguing and beating protesters is highly unethical and illegal as it is a policeman's duty to protect every citizen. Engaging in physical violence against protestors is a last resort to maintain public safety, however, such a necessity is not found here.
Therefore, in light of the above-mentioned incident, the conduct of both the Superintendent of Police and the police officials is unethical. Both will have to be held accountable for misbehavior and violence, and necessary steps should be taken to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
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- UPPSC General Studies 4 Mains ETHICS Solutions 2021
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