Now, ‘disloyal’, ‘cowardly’, ‘tainted’ Mumbai police officers to be stripped of their medals

In one case, an officer got to keep his medal despite being convicted, which prompted the Centre to issue new guidelines

The Maharashtra director general of police’s (DGP) office has issued instructions to all its units, asking them to strip the medals of police personnel who have been convicted, dismissed from service, disloyal to the force or shown cowardice in action.

Police will be stripped of the President’s police medal or police medals for displaying improper conduct. (Photo for representation only)

Police will be stripped of the President’s police medal or police medals for displaying improper conduct. This includes being convicted in a criminal case of any kind or dismissed from the force following an inquiry.

What medals can an officer get?

A police medal for meritorious service is given to officers within 15 years of their employment

The President’s police medal is given to those who have served for more than 15 years. It is a sign of distinguished service

Inspector general of police, (establishment), Rajkumar Vatkar, issued a letter to this effect. He asked the state commissionerates and district police to follow a government resolution, which was issued following the Centre’s instructions.

The central government felt the need to issue such instructions after observing that state governments and police forces failed to withdraw the medals officers in trouble. In one case, an officer got to keep his medal despite being convicted, as the state failed to inform the Centre about the case.

Former director general of police, Maharashtra, Praveen Dixit told HT that when a medal is given to an officer, it is expected to be returned in case of improper conduct. “This rule exists, but it needs to be implemented strictly. That is why the new circular was issued,” he said.