There are strong indications that the Police Officers’ Association may approach the High Court against controversial remarks made by YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy. The association has recently written a letter seeking government intervention on the matter. However, speaking to the media, State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha condemned Jagan’s remarks, but stated that justice for the police might come more effectively through legal means rather than administrative action.
Following the minister’s statement, the State President of the Police Officers’ Association, Srinivas Rao, also addressed the media. He strongly condemned Jagan’s comments, stating that such politically motivated remarks against those who play a crucial role in safeguarding democracy are inappropriate. He also reminded that similar comments were made by Jagan earlier in Vijayawada.
Srinivas Rao pointed out that during a speech in Vijayawada, Jagan had said he would drag the police across “seven seas” to punish them, and more recently, warned that their uniforms would be stripped. He stated that such remarks are a blow to the morale of police officers and are ethically unacceptable. He emphasized that the police are not interested in engaging in politics and that the association would discuss the matter internally and decide on pursuing legal action.
He further noted that it is the association’s responsibility to ensure that police officers are protected and feel confident in performing their duties. Given all this, it appears increasingly likely that the Police Officers’ Association may file a petition in the High Court against Jagan.
A similar precedent was seen in Maharashtra, where the Police Officers’ Association approached the court and succeeded in a case against Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, who had referred to the police as “labourers.”
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