TASERS IN INDIA!

                                      TASERS In INDIA

Social Aspects:

Tasers are being used or overused in 

various developed nations throughout the world. Its 

recent introduction in Indian Law enforcement 

system may have a dual impact on the society. From 

the perspective of the police, Taser is a welcome 

thing, providing them extra security while dealing 

with hard core criminals or to disperse or sub due a 

violent mob. As far as Indian society is concerned, 

they may not like the idea of being tasered while 

protesting against the government. If some 

incident of injury or death occurs due to Taser use, 

this may lead to further protests by the Human Rights 

Activists, against the use of taser. Besides, the law 

authorities should also be prepared for dealing with 

the compensation claims resulting from any 

accidental injury by the use this controversial gun.

Discussion:

Introduction of newer weapons in India is a 

matter of discussion. Taser gun is just an example of 

that. Many questions arise while using newer 

techniques in India. Acceptability of newer weapons 

depends on its outcome as well as social acceptance. 

The main aim of the police is to control the 

miscreants without or with minimum loss of life and 

injuries. Use of taser can be a better alternative to 

achieve this goal. A new weapon to be effective is to 

be well accepted socially also. The political 

intervention in use of newer techniques is also to be 

seen. An ideal weapon for the police is that achieves 

the target with minimum loss of life. Taser gun is 

medically good technique as is causes temporary 

incapacitation of the culprits with minimum effects 

on the body. Legally the Taser gun cannot be given in 

public hands as they can misuse it. However police 

can be authorized to use it. Ethically taser can be 

used with some exceptions. Socially it may be not be 

acceptable by the general public as is the case with 

other weapons also. Keeping all this in view the 

Taser gun is very close to an ideal weapon for the 

police is day to day mob control exercises.

Legal Issues:

Tasers are illegal or subject to legal 

restrictions on their availability and use in many 

jurisdictions. In India only licensed police officials, 

CRPF men and National Security Guards can use the 

Taser guns.

It is legal to use Taser or any force by the police if it 

is found reasonable as measured from the perspective 

of a reasonable officer at the scene.

The government has approved their use 

against individuals fighting against the police rather 

than on those who merely fail to comply with police 

commands. The proposed TASER use policy for the 

Indian Police Department would allow for the use of 

the TASER against an individual only if that person 

is actively resisting arrest or in circumstances where 

deadly force is authorized. 

Though use of tasers for personal security or self 

defense is legal in many countries, in India it is 

illegal to carry a taser for personal use

Sources:: J Indian Acad Forensic Med, 32(4)