Court Mandates Formation of District Level Committees to Monitor Compliance and Ensure Discipline and Morale in the Police Force
In a landmark judgment aimed at eradicating remnants of colonial practices within the police force, the Madras High Court has directed the complete abolition of the orderly system that employs police personnel for household duties of higher or retired police officials. The Division Bench comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and C. Kumarappan issued this directive while hearing the case of A. Radhakrishnan v. Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.
The court observed that the practice of utilizing police personnel as orderlies adversely affects the discipline, morale, and efficiency within the Police Department. Consequently, the court has mandated the establishment of District Level Monitoring Committees across Tamil Nadu. These committees, headed by the District Collector, will include members from the Revenue and Police Departments. Their primary role is to monitor, receive complaints, and take appropriate actions against any violations of the court’s orders.
The judgment highlighted the government's commitment to eradicating this outdated practice, which had already been abolished in principle by a government order in 1979. However, the persistence of this system in practice necessitated judicial intervention. The court has instructed the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Home (Pol.VI) Department, to ensure that all police personnel are employed strictly for regular duties, thereby reinforcing the government's policy.
The Advocate General, Mr. P.S. Raman, acknowledged the detrimental impact of the orderly system on the police force's morale and discipline and supported the court's directions. The court has also tasked the committees with submitting periodic reports to ensure compliance with the government policy and court orders.
Additionally, specific instructions have been issued for major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai, where teams will be constituted to ensure the abolition of the orderly system. The court has also empowered the Additional Chief Secretary to initiate disciplinary proceedings against officials who violate these directives.
The case is scheduled for further review on February 5, 2026, for compliance reporting. This judgment marks a significant step towards modernizing the police force in India and upholding the dignity and morale of its personnel.
Bottom Line:
Complete eradication of the colonial-era orderly system in the Police Department was directed, ensuring no police personnel are deputed as orderlies for household work of higher or retired police officials.
Statutory provision(s): Police Administration.
A.Radhakrishnan v. Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, (Madras)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2837288
