Kerala HC expresses anguish at 'criminal antecedents' of cops

Kochi, July 15 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today observed that policemen with consistent criminal backgrounds are claimed to be favoured with undeserving good service entries, promotions, plum assignments and recommendations for police medals.

Mr Justice V Ramakumar also observed that those close to the power centres and who yield influence over tycoons were said to reap service benefits, despite their criminal antecedents.

''Those who are faithful and loyal to the system and less influential fall easy prey to these cunning predators who are the de facto dons controlling the nerve centres of power,'' he added.

The court also questioned whether recommendations for the coveted police medals were based on subjective ipsedixi of the Home Minister without any objective valuation of the overall performance of the officer concerned.

''Is preference by affection gained through salute, sycophancy, flattery and personal service in private the yardstick for selection,'' the judge asked.

He observed that ''if everything is done as it ought to be, then how officers with criminal records have been able to secure promotions step by step withou any difficulty.'' The High Court made these observations while dismissing a revision petition filed by the State Government in a case registered against former DGP Joseph P Thomas and top police officers regarding harassment of an accused in custody.

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