On October 10, the Delhi Police circulated a circular instructing all ranks not to visit senior officers’ residences for Diwali greetings, whether bearing gifts or even flowers. The directive is addressed to all Special, Joint, Additional, Deputy Commissioners of Police, and officers in units across the city.
The order states: "All officers or men are directed not to visit the residence of any of their senior officers with or without gifts or even flower bouquets on the occasion of Deepawali,"
Officials say that any breach would be viewed “negatively”, suggesting possible departmental consequences.
Tradition, transparency, and reasons behind the ban
The practice of junior officers visiting seniors with gifts during festivals has often been criticized for promoting favoritism and expectations of leniency. According to the Financial Express, Similar orders have been issued in the past, including in 2017, when Delhi Police and other forces curbed such courtesy calls during Diwali to maintain decorum and prevent undue influence.
Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi had previously cautioned officers against such visits during festivals, emphasizing discipline over tradition. With this order, Delhi Police aims to enforce professionalism, prevent misuse of hierarchical norms, and ensure festival observances do not interfere with duty or fairness.
