A retired IPS Officer has filed a PIL before the Supreme Court seeking directions for payment of “risk and hardship” allowance for police personnel serving on the frontlines amid the COVID-19 lockdown. Advocates Rajesh Inamdar, Pai Amit, and Sailesh Mhaske and Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat have filed the petition.
The recent incident of policeman’s death due to COVID-19 in Madhya Pradesh has been the reason for filing the plea. The petitioner states that the tragic incident makes it clear that “even a protector needs protection and safety”.
The petition further stated,
‘…its time that Government must take effective measures and steps ensure good health and safety of the Police personnel’s across the country and boost/encourage their morals by at least extend some financial support to all such officers and their families who are instrumental in containing the spread of COVID-19.”
The petitioner has prayed, a direction to the authorities to identify personnel above 48 years of age having existing medical conditions that may make them more vulnerable to the Coronavirus and such persons should not be deployed on duty where they may come in direct or indirect contact with COVID-19 patients.
The salaries of police personnel not to be deducted, and that any order or circular that allows for such deduction be withdrawn. It is highlighted that while some states have paid double salary to police personnel as incentive, there are certain states that had slashed the salaries by 25 to 35%.It is also submitted that to relieve the police from the burden, some ad hoc appointments of persons who are physically fit may also be made.