Mr. P.C. Sharma, Member, NHRC addressed a batch of probationary officers of the IPS at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad on the 24th August, 2011 on the subject of "Human Rights and Police." He said that over the years, the duties and responsibilities of the police officers have increased manifold. He said that NHRC understands the rigours of their job and related challenges and also the need for protecting their human rights. But it is also true that there is criticism of police personnel for not only abuse of authority but also for human rights violations such as registration of false cases, wrongful confinement, arbitrary investigation of crimes, custodial violence and fake encounters, among others. Mr. Sharma gave an insight into the constitutional provisions and international covenants protecting the human rights of the people.
Mr. Sharma said that there is a need to check the growing propensity in police to believe that it is almost impossible to discharge their duties by lawful means, which has led to such abominable practices like fake encounters. He hoped that the officers would stoutly resist any extraneous pressures in the execution of their duties, which they discharge in a lawful, objective and humane manner.