Maharashtra Police ‘walk of shame’ is a shame for the police

A trend that began in Nashik and is spreading to other jurisdictions in Maharashtra flags the dangers of the police chasing virality by undermining institutional propriety and publicity at the cost of due process. Over the past six months, Nashik Police have been putting out videos that are circulated on their official digital handles as well as through local news and social media groups, in which the accused are paraded before cameras, with the slogan “Nashik zilla kaydyacha balekilla (Nashik district, a fortress of law and order)”. Similar videos have emerged in parts of Thane as well. This unseemly “walk of shame” violates the rule of law in letter and spirit, and paints the police force not as a guardian of due process but as the bully with the biggest stick.

According to Maharashtra Inspector General (law and order) Manoj Kumar Sharma, there have been no instructions to create such videos. However, the parading of criminals, the performance of apparently forced acts and words of contrition, are not isolated aberrant actions by individual officers. Nashik Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, who claims the (dubious) credit for starting the trend, says that the “fortress of law and order” videos began after some young people produced a video last year calling Nashik a “fortress of crime”. Since then, several alleged offenders, including those linked to local political figures, have been publicly shamed. At times, the alleged criminals appear to be limping in the videos.

Overall Analysis

This editorial strongly criticizes a troubling trend within the Maharashtra Police, where accused individuals are publicly paraded in videos for social media visibility. It begins by framing the issue as a consequence of the police prioritizing virality over institutional integrity. The phrase “chasing virality” reflects a modern critique — that law enforcement is increasingly influenced by social media culture rather than legal principles.

The editorial describes how this practice originated in Nashik and has spread to areas like Thane. The repeated use of slogans like “fortress of law and order” is presented ironically, as the author argues that such acts actually weaken the rule of law. The language is sharp and disapproving, especially in phrases like “unseemly walk of shame” and “bully with the biggest stick”, which portray the police as misusing their authority rather than upholding justice.

The second paragraph deepens the critique by questioning the institutional accountability behind these actions. Even though officials like Manoj Kumar Sharma claim there are no formal instructions, the editorial argues that these are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern. The mention of Sandeep Karnik acknowledging his role in starting the trend adds credibility and highlights a concerning normalization of such practices.

The editorial also emphasizes the violation of due process — a key legal principle ensuring fair treatment under the law. By forcing public humiliation and extracting apparent confessions or apologies, the police undermine the presumption of innocence. The reference to accused individuals appearing injured (“limping”) subtly raises concerns about coercion and custodial misconduct without making direct accusations.

Overall, the editorial uses strong moral language combined with legal reasoning to argue that such practices damage the credibility of law enforcement and erode public trust. It presents the issue not just as a procedural lapse but as a deeper institutional failure driven by the pursuit of publicity.

Important Vocabulary (5)

1. Virality – the tendency of content to spread rapidly on social media.
2. Propriety – proper behavior or adherence to accepted standards.
3. Due Process – legal requirement that ensures fair treatment through the judicial system.
4. Aberrant – deviating from what is normal or expected.
5. Contrition – the feeling or expression of remorse for wrongdoing.

Conclusion & Tone

The editorial concludes that the “walk of shame” videos are a serious violation of legal and ethical standards, turning law enforcement into a spectacle rather than a system of justice. It calls for restraint and adherence to due process to preserve institutional credibility.

Tone: Strongly critical, condemnatory, and ethically assertive.