The new ‘no moral policing’ order in Karnataka: Your TL;DR

The big point: “There will be no moral policing anymore. We will put an end to this,” Siddaramaiah told the media after the meeting. He stated that the police must not look at criminal activity through the prism of religion, and that all must be viewed alike and given equal protection.

The details: The CM said that the government has told the police to ensure a “people-friendly administration” and behave in a courteous manner with people who come to the police station. Siddaramaiah also told officials to take action against provocative social media posts that attempt to disturb communal harmony, as per reports.

What stood out: The Congress leaders criticised the ‘saffronisation’ of the state police during the BJP’s regime, and asserted that it will no longer be tolerated.

“There will be no room for the saffronisation of the police department in our regime. There have been instances in Mangaluru, Vijayapura, and Bagalkot, where policemen have posed in saffron attire and insulted the police department. If you have respect for the country, you must wear the national flag,” Deputy CM Shivakumar said at the meeting.

Why has the order been given?: Shivakumar noted that the people of Karnataka are expecting changes in the state. “It has been only about money, money. Everything should be clean in our regime. People are expecting a lot of change and it should begin with the police department… We want to ensure a hassle-free environment for the public,” he said.

Read the full report here: No more moral policing in Karnataka, CM Siddaramaiah tells police top brass in first meeting

Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had taken oath of office on Saturday after prolonged deliberations on the chief ministerial position.

The Congress party won 135 seats in the recent Karnataka Assembly elections, making a comeback in the state after a period of five years.