JAIPUR: Rajasthan Police’s own code of conduct, which directs personnel to stay courteous, respect constitutional rights and use persuasion over force, is under renewed scrutiny after multiple recent incidents across the state raised questions about how closely ground-level policing matches written standards.The scrutiny comes months after a Jan advisory from Police Headquarters instructed officers to treat every arrested person in a “humane, civilised and lawful manner”, bar public humiliation, avoid branding anyone a criminal before conviction, and show heightened restraint and sensitivity toward women, senior citizens and other vulnerable groups. The code itself says force, when unavoidable, must be limited to the minimum necessary, and stresses that public cooperation depends on the trust police inspire through their conduct.The latest flashpoint surfaced in Jaipur’s Jagatpura on June 19 during arrangements for the chief minister’s convoy to pass. Two sisters running a momo cart alleged they were ordered to clear the route immediately even though a vessel of boiling water was on the cart. In a complaint, elder sister Khushboo Gupta alleged a policeman forcefully pushed the cart when they asked for a few minutes, causing boiling water to spill on her younger sister, Reshu Gupta. Reshu suffered burn injuries to her hands, chest, abdomen and thighs. After the allegations triggered outrage online, police ordered an inquiry.In Dungarpur, a woman constable was suspended after a photograph went viral showing her seated with both feet on a duty table while an elderly man waited to lodge a complaint. In this case also, the disciplinary action followed public criticism that the image reflected disrespect toward a citizen seeking assistance.In another case, a sub-inspector with Jaipur Rural Police was booked after a wrestler accused him of assaulting him with a dumbbell following an altercation at Peeli Ka Akhada. Police registered a case and the investigation is pending.The Rajasthan Police code of conduct states personnel must uphold the rule of law “without fear or favour”, recognise the limits of their authority, and maintain courtesy and consideration. It says officers should, “as far as practicable”, use persuasion, advice and warning to maintain law and order, turning to force only when unavoidable and only to the extent necessary.Psychologist and academician Himangini Rathore, whose doctoral research focused on policing, said such encounters often unfold at sensitive moments under tight timelines. “The limited timeframes and operational constraints they face often lead to reactionary responses,” she said. “The constant threat of reprimand can push officers into making split-second decisions that may not reflect their true intentions.” Rathore emphasised the importance of building robust psychological resources within police ranks that foster a public-centric focus, even in high-stress scenarios.
