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Chandigarh Police Issues SOP for Handling Army Personnel

The SOP reflects a push for stronger civil-military coordination after the Punjab and Haryana High Court intervened in the Patiala assault case.

Overview

  • The guidelines bar arrests of serving Army personnel without central government permission except for serious offences and mandate immediate military notification under BNSS Sections 42 and 43.
  • A dedicated military coordination branch led by a DSP-rank officer will oversee all Army-related matters to streamline communication, record-keeping and joint operations.
  • Police officers are instructed to avoid summoning troops in person and to prioritise recording their statements remotely through phone or video calls.
  • Any complaints of misconduct by police against Army personnel will be investigated on priority with disciplinary action for officers found guilty of wrongdoing.
  • Punjab Police is set to adopt a similar SOP in consultation with the Army to standardise procedures across jurisdictions.