In a heartening development for police reform, the Madras High Court has taken decisive action to ensure that trained police personnel in Tamil Nadu are respected as the professionals they are, rather than being misused for personal household tasks.

On Wednesday, Justices S.M. Subramaniam and C. Kumarappan of the Third Division Bench directed the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary to establish district-level monitoring committees across the state. These committees, to be headed by respective District Collectors, represent a significant step forward in eliminating the outdated 'orderly' system that was officially abolished back in 1979 but has unfortunately persisted in practice.

The new monitoring committees will comprise a revenue official at the District Revenue Officer level or above, along with two carefully selected police officers. Their mission is clear and purposeful: to collect information, conduct inspections, and address complaints about the misuse of uniformed police personnel for personal work.

This progressive initiative came after Advocate General P.S. Raman proposed the idea during court proceedings. In a refreshing display of commitment to reform, the A-G shared his own approach to the issue, noting that he personally instructs his Personal Security Officer not to carry shopping bags, reminding him that his duty is protection, not personal service. "That is what is expected from higher officials," Mr. Raman told the court, setting a positive example for leadership across the state.

Justice Subramaniam eloquently articulated the importance of this reform, emphasizing that police personnel trained in handling arms and serving the public should never be relegated to menial household tasks. The court recognized that respecting the professional role of police officers is essential not only for their dignity but also for maintaining integrity throughout the police force.

The Home Secretary has already taken proactive steps, issuing clear directives to the Director-General of Police and all top police officials, reinforcing that uniformed personnel must not be deployed for personal or household work. Even Officers on Special Duty now require specific authorization from the DGP for deployment.

The court has set an ambitious but achievable timeline, requiring the establishment of these monitoring committees within two weeks across all districts in Tamil Nadu. This swift action demonstrates the state's commitment to meaningful reform rather than mere rhetoric.

What makes this initiative particularly promising is its practical approach. By placing District Collectors at the helm of these committees rather than Superintendents of Police, the system builds in accountability and reduces potential conflicts of interest. This thoughtful structure shows that lessons have been learned from past attempts at reform.

The move represents more than just administrative restructuring—it's about restoring dignity to public servants and ensuring that those who are trained to protect citizens can focus on their true calling. When police personnel are respected and allowed to perform their professional duties without being diverted to personal tasks, the entire community benefits through more effective, ethical, and dedicated policing.

As Tamil Nadu implements these monitoring committees, the state sets a positive example for police reform that other regions may well follow, demonstrating that meaningful change is possible when leadership, judiciary, and administrative will align for the common good.