Cops' body seeks withdrawal of restrictions on use of mobile phones

The Haryana Police Sangathan has demanded the withdrawal of restrictions imposed on the use of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets by police personnel on duty.

"The orders passed by the Director-General of Police, Haryana, in exercise of powers conferred under Section 50 of the Haryana Police Act, 2007, regarding the use of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets by police personnel while on duty, are against the law," asserted Dilawar Singh, the president of the Haryana Police Sangathan and All-India Policemen's Federation.

In a statement issued here, the Haryana Police Sangathan maintained that the Haryana Police Act, 2007, under which the guidelines had been issued, itself violated the directions given by the Supreme Court in 2006 regarding police reforms.

The Haryana DGP, Shatrujeet Kapur, had recently issued guidelines for restricting the usage of mobile phones by personnel on duty.

The police personnel have been directed not to use mobile phones or any communication device during traffic management, law and order duty, VIP duty, vehicle checking, PCR or rider duty, raids, confidential meetings and training exercises.

As per the orders issued by the state police authorities, the decision has been taken as the use of mobile phones on duty was impacting the outcome from personnel.

"For official communication, the police wireless system would be used," the guidelines says.

Meanwhile, the police sangathan has opposed the orders, pointing out that as per Section 65-B of the Indian Evidence Act and the IT Act applicable from 2024, no evidence can be presented without electronic record.

"Hence, the Haryana Police Sangathan urges the state Director-General of Police that these wrongful guidelines should be withdrawn with immediate effect," said Dilawar Singh.

Singh further pointed out that the Haryana Government provided mobile phone allowance to the police officials so that they could collect evidence against the criminals by capturing pictures/videos of immoral activities and crimes on camera.

“Therefore, it is requested to the Chief Minister that such wrongful orders should be withdrawn as crime is at its peak and such orders will boost the morale of criminals,” he stated.