Even protector needs protection: Ex-ACP moves SC seeking aid for police force

In a PIL filed in the Supreme Court, Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bhanupratap Barge seeks 'risk and hardship’ allowance for police personnel across the country who are serving on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.

New Delhi: Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bhanupratap Barge has moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Centre to provide 'risk and hardship’ allowance to the police personnel across the country who are serving on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.

In his petition, Barge has argued that the concept of 'risk and hardship' allowance is not a novel one and provisions must be made for the same to help the police officers who are risking their lives by exposing themselves in hazardous conditions.

"Even a protector needs protection and safety, and it’s time that government must take effective measures and steps to ensure good health and safety of the police personnel," read the petition.

The petitioner, through advocate Amit Pai, also sought directions to all State governments to exempt police personnel above the age of 48 with medical ailments and to not deploy them in stressful working environments where they come in direct contact with COVID-19 patients.

Citing instances of police officers contracting the virus and dying on COVID-19 duty, the petitioner submits that the families of these cops also stand the risk of contracting the infection.

The former ACP in his PIL also suggests incentives in the form of bonuses and additional salary to be given to the police force “to boost their morale”.