The Madhya Pradesh High Court has raised a sharp alarm over what it called “social media intoxication” gripping the police force, cautioning that this growing obsession is undermining discipline among uniformed personnel on duty.
The Division Bench of Justice Anand Pathak and Justice Pushpendra Yadav at the Gwalior Bench made the observation while hearing a case involving a police constable caught sleeping under the influence of alcohol during guard duty at a protectee’s residence. The officer’s plea against his compulsory retirement was dismissed, with the Court declaring the punishment proportionate to his misconduct.
In its remarks, the Bench said the incident reflected a deeper malaise within the force — a culture of distraction that extends far beyond alcohol.
“There is another kind of intoxication prevailing in uniformed departments like the police — that of mobile phones and social media,” the judges observed.
They noted that police personnel deployed for sensitive duties — including residence guards, court duty, or law and order maintenance — are often seen glued to their screens instead of maintaining vigilance. This digital fixation, the Court warned, breeds indiscipline, fosters carelessness, and at times, exposes officers to harmful or compromising online content.
To counter the issue, the Court urged senior police officers to introduce remedial and preventive measures. It suggested incorporating awareness and sensitization programmes at police training centres for constables and officers of all ranks. Additionally, it proposed creating a formal mechanism for monitoring the social media presence of personnel, especially while they are on active duty.
Calling the matter “food for thought” for the police leadership, the Bench directed that a copy of its order be forwarded to the Director General of Police, as well as the Additional Directors General (Administration and Training), to initiate suitable steps.
The Court’s message was clear — in an era where screens have replaced streets as the new beat, discipline in uniform cannot afford to scroll itself away.