Why has the long overdue Goa Police Bill not been given priority? In 2006 the Supreme Court issued six directives for States and one for the Centre. The main thrust was on better security for the people, minimizing political influence and interference, ensuring human rights, operational autonomy and enforcement of rule of law under all circumstances! With DIG Koan suspended in Aug 2023 for misbehavior in a north Goa nightclub now reinstated and our previous DIG (now transferred) accused by a suspended policeman of being involved in the illegal demolition of a structure in Assagao, the autonomy and integrity of the police even at the highest level have disappeared? The Goa Police Act with the government is now based on the model Act prepared by The Bureau of Police Research and Development, Ministry of Home Affairs. For better policing there is a crying need for complete revamp and reorientation of the police force into a lawful police service. This will not happen unless there is immense pressure from “we the people” on all political parties in line with the directives of the Apex court in public interest.
