Author: Md. Imran Wahab

Aspect India International Practices Training Emphasis Basic interpersonal and verbal communication taught in most police academies Advanced scenario-based training including psychological simulations and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Standard Protocols De-escalation practices not consistently codified in official law enforcement manuals Clearly codified de-escalation strategies, duty-to-intervene policies, and use-of-force continuum Mental Health                      Integration Limited integration; mental health cases often handled solely by law enforcement. Dedicated Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs) co-deployed with mental health professionals Body-Worn Cameras Emerging adoption; not uniformly implemented across all states Widely deployed; footage regularly used for accountability and training…

In the Adversarial Criminal Justice System In the adversarial criminal justice system, the charge sheet is the foundation of the prosecution’s case, making its rigorous examination by a defence lawyer a strategically vital necessity, not just a procedural step. This in-depth analysis offers the first and most critical chance to uncover weaknesses and omissions in the prosecution’s narrative, thereby establishing a strong basis for the defence. This article will explore the importance of this charge sheet review, highlighting key areas of focus and the potential positive results of such a detailed assessment. The Significance of Charge Sheet Scrutiny Once an…

Rejection A word heavy with pain, disappointment, and the sting of something lost before it could begin. Whether it’s a job you didn’t land, a paper turned down, a relationship that unravelled, or a proposal that fell flat, rejection can feel like a slammed door echoing in a silent corridor. But what if that door wasn’t the end of the hallway? What if rejection was a guidepost — an invitation to recalibrate, deepen, and rise? This article explores how rejection — far from being a setback — is a transformative force when understood, embraced, and reframed. Understanding the Psychology of…

Introduction – The Illusion of Infallibility For over a century, fingerprint evidence was revered as a cornerstone of forensic science, celebrated for its supposed uniqueness and reliability, and often hailed as the paramount method for personal identification in criminal investigations. However, this long-held certainty was profoundly challenged by the wrongful implication of American lawyer Brandon Mayfield in the 2004 Madrid train bombings, stemming from a mistaken fingerprint match. Mayfield’s ordeal served as a sobering reminder of the inherent fallibility even in trusted forensic methods, illustrating how lives can be upended when they falter. This pivotal case not only exposed critical…

Introduction Empowering preventive detention, the National Security Act (NSA) of 1980 stands as a pivotal piece of Indian legislation. Its mandate is to protect the country’s security, uphold public order, and guarantee the continuity of essential services. Distinct from punitive statutes that respond to crimes already committed, the NSA operates proactively, aiming to pre-empt potential threats before they materialize. Nevertheless, the Act occupies a critical juncture where national security imperatives intersect with individual civil liberties. While the government asserts the NSA’s role as a vital safeguard, human rights advocates and legal scholars voice considerable concern over its potential for abuse,…

De-escalation in Modern Policing Introduction As law enforcement practices come under increasing global scrutiny, it has become critically important for police officers to master the skill of defusing potentially volatile situations. De-escalation — defined as the intentional use of communication, tactical strategies, and available resources to stabilize incidents and reduce the risk of violence — is more than just a helpful skill; it is a foundational element of modern policing. This paper explores the core principles and real-world applications of de-escalation techniques, examining their use both internationally and within the Indian policing context. Global Emphasis on De-escalation Worldwide, the emphasis…

Forensic Principles: Locard and Absence of Evidence In forensic science and law, two important ideas often seem to clash. One is Locard’s principle: ‘Every contact leaves a trace,’ which suggests there’s always evidence left behind. The other is the saying: ‘Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence,’ meaning that just because we don’t find proof doesn’t mean something didn’t happen. This article explores these two principles. While they appear to contradict, we argue they actually play complementary roles, and understanding how they work together can improve both investigations and court decisions. The Principle: “Every Contact Leaves a Trace” Edmond…

Legal systems globally find it challenging to properly address individuals with brain conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which once included Asperger’s Syndrome. This issue is especially critical in criminal cases, where it affects how we decide if someone is guilty (their mental state during the crime) and what their punishment should be. People with ASD are not inherently more likely to commit crimes, but their unique ways of thinking and interacting can make understanding complex legal rules and social norms very difficult for them. Criminal law typically presumes everyone understands rules and controls their actions. However, this doesn’t fully…

The Imperative of Protecting Identity Law enforcement officers are ethically and legally bound to rigorously safeguard victim identities, especially in sensitive cases. This fundamental duty is paramount for ensuring victim safety, preventing re-traumatization, and fostering the vital trust necessary for crucial cooperation. Unauthorized disclosure, however, profoundly jeopardizes victims, exposing them to potential harm or retaliation from perpetrators, and significantly undermining their willingness to participate in justice processes. Such breaches also severely compromise ongoing investigations, potentially tainting evidence or allowing suspects to evade accountability. Furthermore, these grave professional missteps expose officers to severe criminal charges, substantial fines, court contempt, and serious…

Presumption of Innocence & Fair Trial (Articles 19 & 21) India’s Constitution safeguards both the right to freedom of speech and expression (enumerated in Article 19(1)(a)) and the fundamental right to life and personal liberty, encompassing the entitlement to dignity, impartial investigation, and an equitable trial (as per Article 21). Courts in India have consistently emphasized that journalistic reporting should not jeopardize an ongoing trial or erode the fundamental principle of presumed innocence. Trial by Media & Media Ethics In the case of Sidhartha Vashisht @ Manu Sharma v. State, the Supreme Court strongly criticized the practice of media publicizing…