Odisha issues SOPs for Police on interactions with Defence Personnel

The Odisha government has recently issued new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for police interactions with defence personnel at police stations across the state. This initiative comes on the heels of public outrage following an alleged assault on an army officer and his fiancée at the Bharatpur police station on September 15, after they attempted to lodge a road rage complaint. According to reports, the army officer was detained in a police lock-up, and his fiancée was physically assaulted when she protested, an incident that has raised concerns over how defence personnel are treated in civilian contexts.

In response, Odisha’s Advocate General Pitambar Acharya presented the SOPs to the Orissa High Court, underscoring the government’s intent to foster respectful and supportive treatment of defence personnel by police officers. The guidelines now mandate that police officers extend “due courtesies” to all defence personnel who approach them, either for assistance or to file a complaint.

Guidelines to ensure prompt and respectful handling of complaints

The SOPs, designed to establish clearer, respectful protocols, instruct police officers to prioritize any grievances or complaints presented by defence personnel. Police officers must offer prompt attention and provide all necessary legal and logistical support to address their issues. When a defence member submits a written complaint, officers are required to handle it according to the law, taking proactive steps to resolve the complaint in a respectful and efficient manner. 

The new SOPs also state that police officers should exhibit due courtesy to defence personnel, regardless of their duty status. The language of the SOP emphasizes the importance of protecting the dignity and respect of defence members, urging police to avoid any actions that could be perceived as disrespectful or dismissive.

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This response follows a recent court session on September 23, during which Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh questioned the police conduct at the Bharatpur police station. The judge pointed out the disturbing circumstances surrounding the incident, as the officer and his fiancée reportedly entered the police station not to commit any crime but to report an issue of road rage. However, rather than receiving assistance, they allegedly faced assault and later found themselves implicated in a First Information Report (FIR) for attempted murder. This development led the High Court to investigate the incident further, with the final hearing scheduled for November 19.

Court scrutiny and push for improved Civil-Military relations

The court’s scrutiny underscores the tension between civilian law enforcement and defence personnel in certain areas, with the recent case amplifying calls for improvements in civil-military relations at the police level. The SOP represents the Odisha government’s effort to address these concerns, promoting a procedural approach that respects the unique needs and status of defence personnel when they interact with police forces.

With this new protocol in place, the Odisha government aims to prevent similar incidents in the future. By setting a clear standard for how defence personnel should be treated at police stations, the guidelines offer a framework for both respect and effective response. The High Court's final decision on the issue, expected on November 19, may further define these protocols, potentially influencing policies on police-defence personnel interactions throughout the state.