HP DGP Silences DSPs, SHOs: Media Ban Imposed on Police Officers

• Himachal Pradesh DGP Ashok Tiwari issued a circular restricting DSPs and SHOs from speaking to the media.
• Only authorized officers, specifically SPs and Range DIGs, are permitted to interact with journalists on official matters.
• Any media interaction by SPs and Range DIGs regarding law and order, investigations, or police policies requires prior approval from Police Headquarters.
• The order cites Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 Rule 7, and Section 29 of the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, 2007, as legal basis.
• Violation of these instructions will lead to disciplinary action; previous guidelines on social media use in uniform were also mentioned.

Why It Matters: HP DGP imposes strict media ban on police officers, citing service rules and disciplinary action.