Khan says that the mechanism of punishments in the police is so arbitrary that the punishments vary according to the mood of an officer. In 2014, 59,164 police officials, including 30,325 constables, 3,557 head constables, 10,121 ASIs, 13,269 SIs, 1,840 inspectors and 52 DSPs and ASPs were handed down punishments. An inspector, a sub-inspector and a head constable have openly questioned his punishments and also submitted applications against him. Sheikh says that punishments like fine, censure, suspension, dismissal and forfeiture of service have failed to ensure accountability in the force because of the higher interests involved. Sheikh is right in his view that the prevalent accountability mechanism has failed to ensure discipline.

Source: The Express Tribune October 02, 2020 05:52 UTC