ANIL K GAYAN, SC
On 17 May 2021 around 02.00 hours, the Police arrested Counsel Rama Valayden at his residence apparently on a charge having to do with the Public Gathering Act. In view of what really transpired between the Police and Me R Valayden is a matter which will need to be thrashed out before an independent body, it is not appropriate to be judgmental at this stage.
The Police is an important institution in any country. Its primary role is to preserve public order and public security. The Commissioner of Police is responsible for all operational matters of the Police Force and he can receive ‘general directions of policy with respect to maintenance of public order’ from the Prime Minister. The structure is well designed and is intended to work in order for the Police to be perceived not as an instrument of politicians in power but as a body working in the national interest in fairness and in conformity with the Rule of Law. The Police has the power under the law to arr