She was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry in 1979

Kiran Bedi began her career in the Chanakyapuri area of Delhi in 1975. The Parliament building, foreign embassies, and the Prime Minister and President's houses were all located in Chanakyapuri, a wealthy neighborhood. The majority of the crimes in the area were minor thefts, although political demonstrations were common. On November 15, 1978, a group of Nirankaris gathered at India Gate for a congregation. A contingent of 700–800 Akalis staged a counter-demonstration, resulting in numerous conflicts between the sides. As a result, Deputy Commissioner of Police Kiran Bedi was dispatched to disperse the demonstrators and avert bloodshed.

One of the demonstrators approached her with a bare sword as the protesters resorted to brick-batting, but regardless of her own safety, she charged the demonstrator and others with the cane, which eventually dispersed the demonstrators and restored peace in the neighborhood. Despite the lack of help from the tear gas squad, she showed remarkable courage and determination in restraining the unruly demonstrators, putting her life in jeopardy. Kiran Bedi was given the President's Police Medal for Gallantry by the President of India in 1979 for her bravery. Being awarded the Presidential Police Medal in 1979 is considered one of the major achievements of Kiran Bedi.