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The court was hearing a case involving a police constable who was found sleeping under the influence of alcohol while on guard duty
Madhya Pradesh High Court | File Image
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday raised concerns over the widespread use of mobile phones and social media by on-duty police personnel, calling it an “intoxication” that is breeding indiscipline in the force.
In a strongly worded order, the Division Bench of Justice Anand Pathak and Justice Pushpendra Yadav urged senior police officers to take immediate remedial steps, including monitoring and training. The court was hearing a case involving a police constable who was found sleeping under the influence of alcohol while on guard duty at a protectee’s residence, Bar and Bench reported.
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While upholding the decision to compulsorily retire the constable, the court said his actions were a serious breach of duty.
“He was required to be more vigilant for the purpose he was deputed and this intoxication may breed indiscipline and may cause accident/mishap at the hands of guard himself who is meant to protect the person for whose security he is deputed as guard,” the bench observed.
However, the court went a step further to highlight what it called a growing trend — police officials posted on guard duties at VIP residences, in courts, or on law and order duties spending excessive time on their phones and social media platforms.
“This Court craves attention of senior police officers… the other intoxication prevailing in the uniform clad departments like police, said intoxication is of mobile/ social media. This creates indiscipline, casualness in duties and at times incriminating social media clips, pollutes the mind and affects disposition of policeman,” the order read.
The judges noted that such behaviour is commonly observed among personnel assigned to more sedentary duties, where constant vigilance is still essential. They warned that unchecked use of mobile phones can compromise public safety and erode discipline within the force.
To tackle the issue, the High Court recommended introducing sensitisation programmes in police training centres and setting up a mechanism for constant supervision of on-duty police personnel’s social media activity.
“This is the food for thought and Senior Police Officers may discuss and frame a mechanism as per their Rules, Regulations and Guidelines,” the court noted.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Madhya Pradesh, India, India
October 03, 2025, 20:16 IST
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