Author: Daruwala Maja Kotwal Navaz
Place: New Delhi
Publisher: Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
Year: 2012
Pages: 38
ISBN: 81-88205-67-2
Subject: Bombay/ Mumbai
Sub-Subject: Bombay
Keyword: Human Rights Initiative, Public Servants, Democracy
Classification: 323.4363
Shelf: C2R1
Accession No: B1061
Abstract: The police play a crucial role in our daily lives, performing duties like managing traffic, protecting VIPs, handling crime, and maintaining law and order. Despite frequent encounters and widespread opinions, often negative, most people know little about the police and their responsibilities. In a democracy, the police are not tools of the ruling government but public servants, much like fire services or revenue officials, whose duty is to protect citizens under the law. However, the relationship between the police and the public should be cooperative. Citizens must not fear or avoid the police but work alongside them to uphold the law. Understanding the police—how they function, their responsibilities, and their limitations—is key. Equally important is knowing our own rights and duties to ensure that neither police nor civilians misuse their authority or break the law. This guide aims to help citizens better understand their police and their own rights. Informed individuals are empowered to speak up against injustice and demand a more accountable and effective police force. By fostering mutual respect and responsibility, we can contribute to a just society governed by the rule of law.