Policemen in the Indian capital, widely perceived as rude to ordinary people, have been told to brush up their manners when dealing with politicians.
The Home Ministry has asked New Delhi’s police to “listen patiently” to politicians, rise to their feet when they arrive or leave, and ensure they get comfortable seats at public functions, the Hindustan Times reported on Wednesday.
The directive, which came after lawmakers complained that officers were not adhering to “basic courtesies”, has already run into criticism.
“Everyone should be treated equally,” lawyer Kamini Jaiswal was quoted in the paper as saying. “Why should extra respect be given to MPs (Members of Parliament)?”
But police defended the new guidelines. “It is required, since in a democracy MPs are people’s representatives,” New Delhi Police spokesman Deependra Pathak told the Hindustan Times.
