Thiruvananthapuram: A city company mayor in Kerala has approached the National Police Chief with a unique request – Honorary salute from lawyers.
Major Thrissur M K Varghese on Friday said he had sent a letter to the police chief Anil Kant recently urged him to issue special orders who asked police personnel to bear to respect him.
In a letter to the DGP, Varghese claimed that according to the norm of the protocol, the mayor was the third person in rank after the governor and chairman of the minister within the corporate limits.
“But, unfortunately, no one shows respect for the mayor.
While the other in the position of power is respected, the presence of the mayor is ignored in the majority of opportunities,” he told TV channels.
He further said he was insulted on many occasions after being ignored by the police, especially when traveling to various places as part of the Covid Prevention Program recently.
By stating that he expected orders from the police chief who asked his subordinates to give an honorary salute to the Mayor, Varghese said his fight was not only for him but also for all his colleagues.
“No need to respect Varghese as individuals.
But respect must be shown in the mayors,” he added.
DGP reportedly submitting the mayor’s complaint to the Gali Range here asking to take appropriate action.
However, police sources here explain that the mayor must salute only during the program detained within the corporation limits, according to the rules.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Police Officer Association (KPOA) explained that the state protocol manual clearly stated that who should salute and on which occasion.
“But, things like that are only for government programs.
Giving salutes is a habit that the police personnel are seen with great value.
This can be given to only those who meet legal requirements,” CR Biju, Secretary General, KPOA, said in a posts Facebook.
It’s not something that must be given to everyone who wants it, he added.