Mumbai: The Indian Police Foundation (IPF) marked its Annual Day with a grand event in Mumbai today, bringing together top police leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders to deliberate on the theme: “Reimagining the Police for India’s Economic Development.” Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis delivered a deeply insightful keynote address, touching on a wide spectrum of critical issues—from technology integration and police reforms to integrity, drugs, cybercrime, and legal system overhauls.
Welcoming IPF to Maharashtra: A Matter of Pride
CM Fadnavis opened his speech by congratulating the IPF for choosing Mumbai as the venue for this year’s celebrations. He extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries on behalf of the Government of Maharashtra, acknowledging the presence of esteemed leaders such as–
- Mr. Aseem Arun, Minister of State for Uttar Pradesh and former IPS officer
- Mr. R.S. Moosahari, Chairman of IPF
- Mrs. Rashmi Shukla, DGP of Maharashtra
- Mr. O.P. Singh, President and CEO, IPF
- Mr. D.C. Jain, CEO, IPF
- Mr. Deven Bharti, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai
- Several senior current and former police officers
“Mumbai Police Comes Late Only in Films”: CM Takes on Bollywood Stereotypes
In a lighter moment, CM Fadnavis humorously addressed a common cinematic trope–
“For many years, the movies have done a great disservice to our Mumbai Police. Our Mumbai Police always arrives on time – but in Hindi films, they always show up late,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
He defended the professionalism of Mumbai Police, stating that both Mumbai and Maharashtra Police are regarded with national respect and continue to maintain high standards.
“Law & Order Is the Foundation of Economic Growth”
Highlighting the critical intersection between law enforcement and economic development, CM Fadnavis emphasized-
“No economic superpower can exist without law and order. Even if it does, it won’t be sustainable.”
He warned that societies under mafia control may temporarily thrive, but their downfall is inevitable. Drawing from historical texts like the Vedas and Kautilya’s Arthashastra, he reinforced the idea that crime and enforcement are age-old societal dynamics, and the state’s responsibility is to maintain balance and order.
“We Have the System – What Matters Is How We Use It”
The CM praised the checks and balances built into India’s constitutional structure, especially in terms of police administration–
- While policing is a state subject, leadership comes from All India Services, ensuring autonomy.
- Despite criticism of political interference, CM Fadnavis asserted that no political interference occurred during his eight-and-a-half years as Home Minister in Maharashtra.
He challenged the notion that external systems are always needed for reform, emphasizing that transformational changes have been implemented within the current system by capable officers.
Technology & AI: The New Horses of Policing
Drawing a powerful analogy between technology and a horse, CM Fadnavis said, “Technology is like a horse. It gives momentum, but the rider – that is, the user – decides the direction.”
Key highlights of his address on technology in policing–
- Cybersecurity Lab: Maharashtra now houses India’s most advanced cybersecurity center, with four countries showing interest in replicating the model.
- Marvel Organization: Introduced AI tools to policing, helping to solve complex cases with efficiency.
- He urged officers to embrace innovation fearlessly, noting that resistance to new technology, like AI, is natural – but progress demands adoption.
From Street Crime to White-Collar Threats
CM Fadnavis noted that street crime is no longer the biggest challenge; instead, the focus has shifted to–
- White-collar crimes
- Cybercrime
- Financial fraud
He stressed the need for police forces to be agile and adaptive, citing that organizational changes were made in Maharashtra Police in 2023, after 53 years. These changes were aimed at aligning the force with contemporary challenges.
Legal Reform: Moving Beyond Colonial Mindsets
CM Fadnavis celebrated the historic reform of IPC, CrPC, and the Indian Evidence Act, which he said were rooted in colonial suppression rather than democratic values-
“Those laws were designed by rulers to control their subjects. But in democracy, we are public servants. These laws needed to change.”
Obsolete Film Dialogues & Faster Justice
In a humorous and pointed moment, the CM referenced a popular film line –
“Sunny Deol’s famous ‘Date after date’ from Damini is now obsolete.”
He explained that under the new legal framework, defense lawyers can now request only two adjournments, helping expedite justice and build deterrence against habitual offenders.
Financial Crimes: A Priority Area
Expressing concern over delayed justice in financial crimes, CM Fadnavis said –
- When offenders maintain lavish lifestyles while victims suffer, public anger rises.
- There is a pressing need for laws that recover and return money quickly to victims.
- He emphasized that economic justice is as crucial as criminal justice.
Drug Menace: A National Security Threat
Calling narcotics the biggest internal threat to India, CM Fadnavis warned –
“A nation whose youth is destroyed by drugs doesn’t need a war. No weapons are needed to destroy such a society.”
He highlighted-
- The rise of new drug marketplaces, including Instagram.
- Maharashtra’s zero-tolerance policy – officers involved in drugs will be dismissed, not suspended.
- The need for new strategies and technological tracking to tackle the evolving threat.
Law & Order: Backbone of Industrial Growth
Revealing behind-the-scenes challenges, the CM spoke about the importance of law and order in attracting industries –
- In Pune, Maharashtra’s industrial hub, local political interference and extortion attempts had discouraged investors.
- Fadnavis took a bold stand: “If someone from my own party was involved, jail them first.”
- He emphasized the need for professionalism in policing to ensure investor confidence and industrial growth.
Integrity: The Bedrock of Transformation
Echoing sentiments shared by Minister Aseem Arun, Fadnavis stressed the need to discuss integrity at all levels of society – not just within police forces –
“Without integrity, we can never become a developed India. Lack of integrity fuels many of our issues.”
He called for collective societal introspection and reaffirmed that only with values and vision can transformational change be realized.
“Reimagining Police”: The Way Forward
Closing his address, CM Fadnavis acknowledged the immense experience gathered in the room –
“There are so many experienced people in this auditorium that the churning that takes place here will yield only nectar. As a government, we are ready to receive that nectar.”
He concluded with a note of gratitude to the IPF for organizing such a visionary event in Mumbai and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to incorporating the ideas and reforms discussed.
$5 trillion economy
CM Fadnavis’s speech at the IPF Annual Day went far beyond ceremonial platitudes. It presented a deeply strategic, reformative, and forward-thinking vision of policing in India – aligned with technological progress, legal reform, and economic priorities.
As India aims to become a $5 trillion economy, the role of police in ensuring security, justice, and integrity is being reimagined not just as enforcement, but as empowerment – a mission that Maharashtra appears ready to lead.
