Why does Judge Singham urge an IPCMC for police misconduct?

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Judge Singham Urges Establishment of IPCMC to Address Police Misconduct and Restore Public Confidence

High Court Judge Datuk V.T. Singham has strongly advocated for the immediate establishment of an Independent Police Complaint and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). This call stems from a critical need to investigate disciplinary offenses within the police force, thereby eradicating the "horror stories" that have emerged from lockups and significantly bolstering public trust in police investigations. Singham's remarks, made within the judgment of a suit concerning the death of A. Kugan in police custody in January 2009, highlight a persistent lack of confidence among the public and victims' families regarding the internal handling of such matters.
Escalating Custodial Violence Necessitates Oversight

The impetus for establishing the IPCMC is directly linked to a marked increase in instances of custodial violence, torture, and deaths occurring while individuals are in police custody. Singham's judgment emphasizes that the authority to investigate allegations against police officers, particularly those involving severe mistreatment or fatalities during detention, demands exceptionally careful and cautious exercise. The proposed commission would serve as a crucial mechanism to ensure accountability and proper procedures are followed, thereby safeguarding the rights and well-being of those taken into custody.
Royal Commission Recommendations Ignored

Singham pointedly stated that the time and resources invested in the Royal Commission for Police Reforms should not be disregarded. The recommendation to establish the IPCMC, a key finding of that commission, has been pending and needs to be acted upon promptly. He stressed that these reforms should not remain in "cold storage" but should be implemented to yield tangible benefits for society and improve the overall functioning and public perception of the police force.
Restoring Public and Family Confidence

A significant driving factor behind Singham's urgent plea is the erosion of confidence in the police's investigative capabilities. The judgment explicitly notes that both the general public and the families of those affected by police misconduct or deaths in custody have demonstrated little faith in the impartiality and effectiveness of internal police inquiries. The IPCMC is envisioned as an independent body that can conduct thorough and unbiased investigations, thereby rebuilding this essential trust between law enforcement and the community it serves.

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Why does Judge Singham urge an IPCMC for police misconduct?

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