Court mandates strict decorum for police personnel in courtrooms, directs issuance of circular for compliance.
In a significant judgment, the Madras High Court has upheld the disciplinary action taken against V. Arumuram, a police officer, for appearing in a drunken state while deposing as a witness in a courtroom. The court emphasized the importance of maintaining strict decorum and integrity by police personnel while on duty, especially during court appearances.
The case arose when V. Arumuram, then a Special Sub-Inspector at Arakandanallur Police Station, was found in a drunken state by the Judicial Magistrate while giving evidence in a criminal case. A Certificate of Drunkenness was issued by the Medical Officer, though no blood or urine tests were conducted. The incident led to departmental proceedings and initial punishment of compulsory retirement, later modified to a three-year increment postponement.
The respondent challenged the modified punishment, arguing the necessity of blood and urine tests to establish drunkenness. However, the High Court, comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and N. Senthilkumar, ruled that preponderance of probabilities suffices in departmental proceedings, and the Certificate of Drunkenness was adequate evidence of misconduct.
The judgment also directed the Director General of Police to issue a circular mandating that police personnel attending court must wear proper uniforms and maintain decorum, with non-compliance resulting in disciplinary action. The court stressed that any misconduct within courtroom premises should be promptly reported by Judicial Officers for appropriate disciplinary measures.
This ruling serves as a stern reminder of the standards expected from police personnel, reinforcing the need for discipline and professionalism in all official duties.
Bottom line:-
Departmental proceedings against a police official for misconduct in court - Preponderance of probabilities sufficient for disciplinary action - Strict decorum and integrity required from police personnel while deposing in court.
Statutory provision(s): Tamil Nadu Police Subordinate Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1955
Director General of Police v. V. Arumuram, (Madras)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2943008
