Director General of Police (DGP) Kailash Makwana has issued a fresh directive mandating that all police officers and personnel in Madhya Pradesh must salute and show due respect to Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), the Chief Minister, and state ministers. The directive emphasizes courteous conduct and responsiveness in interactions with public representatives to strengthen police-public official relations.
The order instructs police personnel to prioritize meetings with MPs and MLAs, ensuring that their concerns—especially those related to public welfare—are addressed promptly and respectfully. Officers are also expected to respond politely when contacted via phone or other means, fostering a climate of cooperation and accountability.
The directive draws on eight previous government circulars issued between January 23, 2004, and April 4, 2022, which collectively underscore the importance of maintaining formal decorum with elected officials. However, this new order appears to override an earlier circular issued four months ago by then Special DGP Shailesh Singh, during the final phase of former DGP Sudhir Saxena’s tenure.
That previous circular, citing a 2007 directive, had abolished salute parades for the Chief Minister, ministers, and police officers—reserving the honor exclusively for the Governor. Notably, Saxena’s farewell was conducted in line with that order, without a salute parade, aligning with the reduced ceremonial protocol in effect at the time.
Makwana’s latest order reinstates the tradition, clarifying the protocol and emphasizing the symbolic importance of honoring elected representatives through ceremonial gestures such as salutes. The decision has sparked discussion across administrative and law enforcement circles, as it reflects a return to traditional practices in contrast to recent efforts aimed at modernizing bureaucratic norms. Supporters argue that the move helps reaffirm the police force’s institutional respect toward democratic leadership, while critics caution against reverting to overly ceremonial customs at the cost of administrative efficiency. Nonetheless, the directive signals the DGP’s intention to ensure harmonious and respectful relationships between the police force and public representatives—a step that may contribute to smoother governance and improved coordination at various administrative levels.