U’khand HC stands by state cops; says they must not work for more than 8 hours at a stretch

NewsBharati    16-May-2018
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Dehradun, May 16: Observing that police is the primary agency of the criminal justice system which protects human rights, The Uttarakhand High Court has said, police personnel must not work for more than eight hours at a stretch and those doing arduous duties besides listing out various measures for improving the service conditions for the force.

Hearing a PIL seeking improvement in the working conditions for police personnel, a division bench of Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice Sharad said today that they should be paid at least 45 days' extra salary for doing arduous duties.

“Most of the health problems occurred due to occupational hazards attributed to long hours on the job. The long duty hour takes a toll on the morale, motivation and self-esteem of staff. The overall frustration manifests itself in the offensive conduct and behavior with the public at times. It is the duty cast up the State to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work under Article 42 of the Constitution of India,” said the bench.

The state government is directed to appoint in each district the psychiatrist to counsel the police personnel who are under tremendous pressure and strain.

“The state government should recruit qualified doctors specifically for the police force,” says the court.

The court also ordered that there should be a housing scheme for the police personnel who should get at least three promotions during their career.

The court also ordered special selection boards for recruitment of police personnel, recreational facilities such as gyms and swimming pools at police stations and police housing colonies.