The use of plainclothes police officers wielding sticks during a protest by the Confederation of Indian Professionals (CJP) has sparked criticism. Critics argue that officers without uniforms or identification create confusion and ambiguity during public demonstrations. Senior police officials, however, defended the practice, stating that such deployments are necessary for intelligence gathering and undercover operations. They noted that plainclothes officers have been used in the past to manage large crowds effectively. While not explicitly prohibited, the lack of visible identification can raise concerns about accountability. In response to the backlash, police leadership has now discouraged the routine use of plainclothes officers in protests. They advised that such measures should only be considered in situations where tensions escalate or there is a shortage of uniformed personnel. The debate highlights the delicate balance between maintaining public order and ensuring transparency in law enforcement actions.