Jammu Needs Dignified Traffic Policing

Jammu Needs Dignified Traffic Policing

By Raman Sharma

In recent months, Jammu city has witnessed a disturbing trend in the enforcement of traffic laws. From repetitive squats (Uthak-Baithak) as punishment to the use of foul language and even slapping by traffic police officials, such practices have raised serious concerns about the manner in which law is being implemented.  

At several chowks and naka points, traffic officers, often accompanied by self-styled media persons, stop motorists for traffic checks. While ensuring road safety and adherence to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 is indeed a lawful duty, the way these checks are being conducted is increasingly questionable.  

Section 132 of the Motor Vehicles Act empowers police officers to stop a driver and inspect documents, while Section 206 allows temporary seizure of licences under certain conditions. However, these powers must be exercised with fairness, restraint, and respect for citizens’ dignity. Unfortunately, in Jammu, public scolding and humiliation of motorists have become common. Videos of such incidents are recorded by unofficial “media” persons and circulated on social media, causing unnecessary embarrassment. Even if a person violates a minor rule, they still retain their constitutional right to dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.  

Section 180(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, recognises the right of a person to remain silent and not make self-incriminating statements. The Supreme Court, in D.K. Basu vs State of West Bengal (1997), laid down clear guidelines to preserve human dignity during law enforcement. Even in serious crimes, public humiliation is prohibited — traffic violations should be treated with no less respect.  

The involvement of so-called media channels at these naka points adds another legal and ethical issue. Many of these individuals are not accredited journalists and are often members of personal fan clubs of traffic officials. Their unauthorised recording and uploading of videos violate privacy and police protocols. The Motor Vehicles Act or Police Rules do not allow random individuals to film enforcement proceedings. If genuine media coverage is needed, it should be done officially without disclosing personal details of violators.  

The Jammu and Kashmir Police already have Public Relations sections at various levels to spread awareness about traffic rules. Instead of using these official channels, some officers prefer publicity through unauthorised social media collaborators, turning enforcement into spectacle.

  Moreover, the selective deployment of nakas reveals bias , busy junctions with high visibility often have heavy police presence, while other congested routes remain unmanaged, resulting in severe jams. This selective enforcement defeats the purpose of fair traffic regulation.

Citizens should also be aware of their rights. They can ask for identification of the officer, demand a copy of the challan specifying the section of violation, and must be informed in writing if documents are seized. They cannot be forced to make statements against themselves.

Traffic law enforcement and public dignity are not mutually exclusive. Officers must act with discipline, politeness, and professionalism. Internal guidelines should ban unauthorised individuals at enforcement sites, and officers should receive training in handling violators respectfully.

Jammu city urgently needs effective, technology-driven traffic management  with CCTV surveillance and e-challans  to replace confrontational enforcement. The goal should be to maintain road discipline without violating basic human dignity. 

Law and dignity must go hand in hand. A violator should be penalised according to the law, but never humiliated. The uniform must command respect through fairness and integrity, not fear.