🛡️ Introduction

Our soldiers are the backbone of national security, and protecting them from potential threats is essential to honor their service. The Chandigarh Police, under the directive of the Director General of Police, UT, has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP 1701-Z) to guide its officers in dealing with Army personnel involved in police proceedings. The SOP ensures that such interactions are lawful, professional, respectful, impartial, and transparent, whether the personnel are complainants, accused, witnesses, or mediators.

This is a crucial step towards ensuring civil-military harmony and legal clarity in handling matters involving members of the armed forces.

🎯 Purpose of the SOP

The SOP seeks to:

Standardize procedures in dealing with Army personnel.
Maintain respect and dignity for defense service members.
Ensure prompt grievance redressal and legal assistance.
Avoid unlawful detention or harassment.
Uphold civil-military coordination.

📌 Key Provisions of the SOP

1. Arrest and Legal Action

Army personnel cannot be arrested without prior approval from the Central Government unless they are involved in serious offenses like murder, rape, or kidnapping unrelated to their official duties.
For such arrests, police must notify the nearest military station HQ, including details of the offense, arrest date, and detention location.

2. General Guidelines

All interactions must respect the rank and position of Army personnel.
Police must act lawfully, transparently, and without bias.
Officers must avoid escalating tensions and ensure dignified treatment of military personnel.

3. Dealing with Army Personnel in Different Roles

a) When Army Personnel are Complainants

Prompt attention and priority to complaints.
Confidential handling of information.
Coordination with Army authorities where necessary.
FIR or complaint copies to be shared with the complainant and Army liaison officer if requested.

b) When Army Personnel are Accused

Section 42 of BNSS must be followed, which provides protection against arrest for armed forces members.
Arrests must not interfere with active duty.
Female personnel must be handled per Section 43(5) BNSS.
Proper documentation and respect during investigations or custody.

c) When Army Personnel are Witnesses/Mediators

Prefer written statements or remote methods (video/phone).
Avoid unnecessary summoning.
Respect military schedules.

4. Communication & Coordination

A DSP-rank officer shall act as the nodal officer for Army-related matters.
A dedicated liaison desk/branch will handle all cases involving military personnel.
Immediate intimation to senior Army officers in sensitive cases.

5. Special Investigation Team (SIT) Formation

In high-profile or sensitive cases, an SIT may be constituted to ensure transparency and avoid bias.

6. Discipline & Accountability

Any complaint of misconduct by police officers in dealing with Army personnel will be:
- Investigated with urgency.
- Addressed impartially.
- Punished with strict disciplinary action if found guilty.

7. Training & Awareness

Annual training sessions on:
- Civil-military cooperation.
- Relevant laws and respect protocols.
Joint workshops with Army units to foster mutual understanding.
Awareness drives on behavioral conduct and legal procedures.

8. Special Instructions

Police officers must:

Strictly follow Section 42 BNSS.
Keep senior officers (SP/SSP) updated on real-time developments in such cases.
Handle Army property (weapons, vehicles, etc.) with care and report to the Army authorities.
Avoid media disclosures without official approval.

9. Military Coordination Branch

A new Military Coordination Branch is proposed to:

Be headed by at least a DSP-rank officer.
Maintain a record of all Army-police interactions.
Ensure smooth coordination during joint operations or investigations.

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✅ Conclusion

The issuance of SOP 1701-Z by Chandigarh Police is a proactive and thoughtful initiative aimed at balancing legal obligations with institutional respect for the Indian Armed Forces. By defining clear roles, responsibilities, and limitations, the SOP enhances the working relationship between civil police and military units and ensures transparent, fair, and disciplined enforcement.

This framework will not only minimize conflict and confusion in such matters but also reinforce mutual trust and coordination, which is essential for national security and civilian harmony.

📌 All officers of Chandigarh Police have been directed to ensure meticulous compliance with the SOP.