Crack down on cops taking freebies, Madras HC tells police chief – Times of India

CHENNAI: Flagging rampant freebies culture of police officials, Madras high court has directed the Chennai city commissioner of police to take act against officials demanding and accepting freebies and bribes from commercial establishments.
“The commissioner is directed to initiate swift action on complaints against public authority and police officials regarding demand and acceptance of freebies, bribes, or any other extraneous considerations immediately,” said Justice S M Subramaniam said on Friday.
In the event of accepting any such freebies from the commercial establishments, the same will disrepute the department and damage the image on the whole,” the judge said, adding: “The image of the police department is to be protected in all circumstances. The majesty of the uniformed services has to be preserved.”
Thus, the higher officials are expected to conduct frequent inspections and monitor the functioning of the police officials on duty in the fields, he said.
Justice Subramaniam also pointed out largescale road rule violations and illegal parking of vehicles in Chennai, and said the city commissioner should constitute special squads for effective and efficient traffic control on G S T Road and at other strategic locations in the city.
“It is not as if traffic police cannot control illegal parking in such prime locality, they are capable of controlling the illegality. However, they remain as mute spectators, which creates a doubt in the mind of people,” said Justice Subramaniam.
The court passed the order on a plea moved by Chrompet G S T Salai, Puduvai Nagar Siruthozhil Vyaparigal Sangam alleging illegal parking by a restaurant and a tempo garage in G S T Road.
Due to frequent traffic congestion, the efficiency level in managing traffic, more specifically in urban areas, is to be improved.