The Punjab Police is currently in the process of formulating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to deal with cases involving Army personnel, following the public outcry over the shocking incident in Patiala earlier this year. In March 2025, a serving Indian Army Colonel and his son were reportedly assaulted by Punjab Police officers—an incident that sparked national outrage and raised serious questions about police conduct and coordination with military authorities.
The proposed SOP aims to establish clear and respectful procedures for handling situations involving serving or retired Army personnel, ensuring that such unfortunate confrontations do not recur. It is being designed to promote lawful engagement, avoid jurisdictional disputes, and uphold the dignity of uniformed services.
However, while the police are moving forward with this Army-focused SOP, there is a growing concern among civil society and human rights advocates that similar attention must be given to how the police handle members of the general public. Incidents of alleged police brutality, misuse of power, and harassment of ordinary citizens have also been reported in various parts of Punjab, highlighting the urgent need for a parallel SOP to govern police interactions with civilians.
An SOP for the general public would not only help ensure transparency and accountability in everyday policing but also build trust between the police and the communities they serve. Such guidelines should include clear protocols for the use of force, the rights of detainees, conduct during questioning, and safeguards against unlawful detention or abuse.
While the Punjab Police’s move to create an SOP for Army personnel is a welcome step, it must not stop there. The principles of fairness, dignity, and the rule of law must apply equally to all—whether in uniform or not. The time has come for the state police to institutionalize reforms that protect every citizen’s rights and ensure justice is not selective.