Police excesses a threat to democracy: HC

Excesses by men in uniform is a grave threat to democracy, the Madras high court has said, initiating a suo motu contempt proceedings against at least 11 police personnel, including the director-general of police. “Any growing trend of indiscipline in the uniformed services, at no circumstances be tolerated by the state. Indiscipline among the uniformed services is a greater threat to democracy,” Justice S M Subramaniam said. The issue relates to a November 2015 incident when a human rights advocate, S Rajarethinam (since deceased), was arrested at midnight in violation of all norms.