‘Law-knowing cop’ who stopped KU VC on highway caught on wrong foot

Issues ‘standing order’ irking superiors, SSP withdraws order

Srinagar: A police officer who recently stopped Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor Prof Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi on Srinagar-Jammu highway citing “law enforcement” was on Friday pulled up by his seniors allegedly for lack of knowledge of laws and rules governing the functioning of the police department.
The Senior Superintendent of Police Udhampur on Friday issued a “Corrigendum” to order immediate withdrawal of a “Standing Order” issued by Deputy SP (Probationer) Udhampur Er Sheikh Aadil Mushtaq in connection with 13 Gambling Act.
“It is hereby ordered that the Standing Order issued by Er Sheikh Aadil Mushtaq Dy SP (Probationer) vide endorsement No Rdr/2017/4311-29 dated 31.01.2017 in connection with 13 Gambling Act, is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect,” the SSP’s order No Rdr/17/4774-93/DPOU read.
In his order, Aadil, who peeled off tinted glasses from Kashmir University’s VC’s official car on Srinagar-Jammu highway in a much publicized incident,  had issued directions to SHOs/IC PPs of Udhampur district on how to handle offences under the 13 Gambling Act.
“Henceforth, it is enjoined upon all the SHOs/IC PPs of this district that as and when any report under this section is received or raid is conducted, cognizable case shall be registered and challaned in the court of law against the offenders after conducting proper investigation. No complaint under this section shall be lodged in the court of law in future. Any deviation of this order shall be viewed seriously,” the “Standing Order” issued by Aadil, read.
Sources said the order came in for severe criticism from senior police officers in the district, leading to its immediate withdrawal by the SSP. “How can a probationary officer issue a ‘standing order’? This is simply exceeding your brief,” a police officer, well versed with police rules, said. “Such an order can only be issued by an officer of the rank of SP or SSP. And then how can a junior officer direct his seniors to perform a particular task in a particular way.” (Kashmir Reader)