Synopsis What is Wrong with Indian Police? Is a candid, matter-of-fact study of the Police administration in India and its functioning since its inception two centuries ago by the English East India Company. The rapid development in the working of this ‘second line’ of the Establishment has been traced from the historical perspective and the transition from its colonial character to its role as the people’s foremost servants in Free India has been delineated truthfully and faithfully. It is indeed difficult for a people just become independent to dissociate their image of the lathi-wielding and firing police as the long arm of the erstwhile alien rulers and to regard them now after independence primarily as a service organization ready at all times to proffer succour, safety and security to all law-abiding, placeable citizens. Nevertheless, it is common knowledge that the members of the police force have not yet received a fair deal despite their good work, the rigours and hazards of their service notwithstanding. Even their creature comforts have not attracted the attention they deserve and generally they may be rightly said to have received only Cinderella-like treatment. In spite of the fact that policemen are among the hardest-worked public servants, their legitimate needs such as housing, schools, hospitals and dispensaries and playgrounds have received only lip sympathy and scant attention.