Says uniform no longer for online spotlight
TNR News Network
SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh Police Headquarters has rolled out a stringent set of social-media guidelines, warning personnel that any photo or video posted online in uniform could now trigger disciplinary action.
Himachal Pradesh Acting DGP Ashok Tiwari has announced a fresh standard operating procedure (SOP) that immediately bars policemen from creating or uploading reels, videos or images in uniform across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, WhatsApp and Telegram.
Issuing the new norms, DGP Tiwari said the police headquarters had defined clear and strict parameters for the use of social media while in uniform. Officers and personnel have been categorically prohibited from posting content of entertainment, personal promotion, political nature, religious messaging or any material meant for personal visibility while dressed in official attire.
“This order comes into force with immediate effect,” Tiwari said, directing district police chiefs and station house officers to ensure strict compliance and to put monitoring mechanisms in place. He cautioned that any violation would be viewed seriously.
Why the new SOP was needed
According to the Acting DGP, the guidelines aim to uphold the dignity of the police uniform, reinforce discipline and prevent any misuse of social platforms that could result in unauthorised release of confidential or official information. The SOP clarifies that creating reels or uploading videos in uniform is strictly off-limits to all ranks.
Only authorised officers are permitted to share official content such as press notes, awareness campaigns or law-and-order updates and that too via designated departmental handles, not personal accounts.
Violations may lead to harsh penalties
Calling it a matter of institutional discipline, Tiwari said that breaching the SOP will attract severe consequences. Departmental inquiries, suspension, withholding of increments, demotion and even dismissal from service may follow, depending on the gravity of the violation. If any criminal angle is detected, prosecution could also be initiated.
The SOP further prohibits personnel from using personal social-media accounts to comment on government policies, HQ decisions or official matters. The department has emphasised that the rules are intended to maintain professionalism and prevent the dilution of the uniform’s sanctity in the digital sphere.
