Mumbai, March 20 (PTI) Mumbai police commissioner Arup Patnaik has warned his subordinates not to “interrupt” him when he is talking to others, otherwise they could get adverse remarks in their annual confidential reports.

The circular has upset junior officers and lower-rung policemen, who now hesitate to approach the top cop to discuss problems or ideas, a senior officer said.

The circular says: “The Commissioner of Police has observed that officers interrupt (him) when he is conversing with others or while talking over telephone. This is against the service decorum and etiquette.

“When seniors are talking, the juniors should not interrupt unless permitted to speak. Such repeated interruptions do not indicate officer-like qualities and if repeated, it will be reflected adversely in the Annual Confidential Report of the Officer.”

An officer said: “In meetings held soon after taking charge as the commissioner, Patnaik sir had described himself as our big brother, and told us to approach him anytime with any idea or problem. He said he would address our problems. But this is a strange circular.”

An inspector said: “This would hit our morale. Such warnings are usually given orally. But it is strange that it has come in writing.”

However, deputy police commissioner Rajkumar Vhatkar, who is also the city police spokesperson, said: “The circular has been misinterpreted…. It had to be issued as there were several instances when he was disturbed or interrupted by juniors.”