Thiruvananthapuram, July 1 (IANS) Kerala Director General of Police and state police chief (SPC) Ravada A. Chandrasekhar has issued a circular directing all police personnel in the state not to participate in religious functions, rituals, or celebrations while wearing their official uniform, except when they are on authorised official duty.

The directive comes in the wake of multiple complaints against police personnel who were seen attending religious events in uniform and posting photographs and video reels of such appearances on social media.

The complaints prompted the police headquarters to issue a fresh set of instructions reiterating the proper use of the official uniform.

According to the circular issued by the SPC, police officers are prohibited from wearing their official uniform while participating in religious ceremonies, festivals or celebrations in their personal capacity.

The restriction, however, does not apply to officers deployed on official duty for maintaining law and order, crowd management, or security arrangements during such events.

The circular points out that the police uniform symbolises the neutrality and impartiality of the force and should not be used in a manner that could create the impression of official endorsement of any particular religion or religious activity.

The order has been issued to all ranks in the Kerala Police, from civil police officers to senior officers, making it applicable across the force without exception.

Officers have also been cautioned against creating or sharing social media content, including reels and videos, depicting themselves in uniform while participating in religious programmes in a personal capacity.

The move is aimed at reinforcing the professional standards expected of police personnel and preserving the secular character and public credibility of the force.

Senior police officials said the instructions are intended to ensure that the official uniform is used strictly for authorised duties and that police personnel maintain institutional neutrality while discharging their responsibilities.

The circular is expected to serve as a reminder to officers that the police uniform represents the authority of the state and should not be associated with personal religious activities outside the scope of official assignments.

–IANS

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