Recently a post circulating on social media that went viral has reignited the debate in Tamil Nadu, questioning whether an assistant commissioner of police should be involved in endorsing a political party or its ideology. The post also raises concerns about the appropriateness of sharing such content on social media under the guise of exercising freedom of expression.
Christin Jayasil, the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Tambaram City in Chennai, received a visit from Jeffry, a supporter of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katch (VCK). During the visit, Jeffry presented a book titled “Modi Regime is a Witness of Dark Times,” written by VCK Deputy General Secretary Vanni Arasu. The post on Facebook was seen to contain hashtags related to VCK and their recent conference, ‘Vellum Sananayagam’ (Democracy Wins).
Netizens expressed diverse opinions on the matter, with some asserting that it was incorrect, while others contended that it wasn’t an issue and that many individuals had engaged in similar actions.
A netizen questioned, “Is this legal? How can a policeman in uniform buy a book that misrepresents the Prime Minister of India while on duty?“
இது சட்டப்படி சரியா..
சீருடையில் இருக்கும் ஒரு போலீஸ்காரர், அவர் கிருஸ்துவர் ஆகவே இருந்தாலும், பணியில் இருக்கும் போது சக கிருஸ்துவரிடம் பாரத பிரதமரை தவறாக சித்தரித்த ஒரு புத்தகத்தை வாங்குவதை எப்படி எடுத்து கொள்ளுவது. pic.twitter.com/l5oKcft2Pj
— Saravanaprasad Balasubramanian 🇮🇳 (@BS_Prasad) February 5, 2024
Another netizen expressed skepticism, stating “Do you still believe that everything works according to the law in Tamil Nadu? We reinstate all those officers who were suspended for pulling out teeth.”
தமிழ்நாட்டில் சட்டப்படி தான் எல்லாம் இயங்குகிறது என்று இன்னமும் நீங்கள் நம்புகிறீர்களா.
நாங்க எல்லாம் பல்லை புடுங்கி சஸ்பெண்ட் ஆன போலீசுக்கு பதவி கொடுத்து அழகு பாக்குறவங்க…..
— பாலா என்ற சங்கி (@Bala_aswathi) February 6, 2024
வழங்கினால்தான் தவறு
வாங்குவது தவறில்லை..இது தவறென்றால்,
"அரசுக்கு எதிரான கருத்துடைய மாற்று கட்சியினரை சந்திப்பதே தவறு..சட்டவிரோதம்"னு அடுத்து சொல்வீர்கள்..
அது ஜனநாயக விரோதம்.
சர்வாதிகார பாசிச எண்ணம்.ஆகவே வாங்கியது தவறில்லை!
— அம்பேத்கர் சமத்துவ இயக்கம் (@Ambedkar_iyakam) February 6, 2024
The said post has been deleted from Facebook. However, there is another post where the same Jeffry is seen handing over the book to Tambaram Mayor Vasanthakumari.
In January 2024, Sub-inspector K Rajendran and Special Sub-inspector A Karthikeyan faced suspension over accusations of violating rules pertaining to their affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident took place on 27 December 2023, as the officials, dressed in their service uniforms, participated in the BJP’s membership drive camp coinciding with BJP leader Annamalai’s visit to Nagapattinam.
Earlier, C Umashankar IAS, a Tamil Nadu IAS officer who transitioned into a Christian preacher, received a warning from the Tamil Nadu government regarding his religious preaching activities. The government expressed concerns about potential communal disharmony, despite Umashankar asserting his fundamental right to engage in preaching.
What Does The TN Police Standing Orders State?
The Tamil Nadu Police Standing Orders provides directives to the police force. Here are some points:
Police personnel must consistently uphold high standards of official and personal conduct, adhering to prescribed discipline norms. Principles of Police Conduct emphasize allegiance to the Constitution, and law enforcement without questioning duly enacted laws. The police’s primary duty is to prevent crime and disorder, and they should strive for public cooperation, maintaining integrity, and fostering trust.
The directive (111) prohibits police officers, irrespective of their rank, are explicitly forbidden from seeking support from officials of other departments or non-officials.
(5) Political Influence: No police officer is permitted to bring or attempt to bring any political or external influence to bear upon any superior authority for personal gains or matters related to their service under the Government. Any violation will result in disciplinary action, and the burden of proving innocence lies with the concerned police officer.
(6) Acceptance of Gifts: Except for farewell entertainment during retirement or transfer, police officers should not accept gifts, gratitude, or rewards exceeding trifling value, as specified in Tamil Nadu Subordinate Police Officers‘ Conduct Rules, 1964, at the time of transfer or retirement. (Conduct Rule 4)
(13) Politics and Elections: Police officers are prohibited from participating in any movement or activity that aims to create dissatisfaction against the government, promote hatred or enmity between different classes, or disturb public peace.
(14) Connection with Media: Police officers should not engage habitually in broadcasting, telecasting, or contributing articles to the press unless of a purely literary, artistic, or scientific nature. Approval from the Director General of Police is required for talks related to official duties. (Conduct Rule 15)
(23) Religious Activities: While police officers are free to practice any religion in their private lives, they must conduct themselves publicly to avoid any impression of favoritism based on religion. Engaging in proselytizing activities or using an official position for religious influence is strictly prohibited. (Conduct Rule 22-A)
Though the police officer may or may not have explicitly endorsing a political party or religion, but utilising the department for promoting such affiliations is disgraceful for a party that claims to be a guardian of the constitution. It is the responsibility of the police officer to promptly intervene and remove any posts that may be perceived as showcasing his affiliations.
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