Supreme Court

Dr. Rini Johar & anr. v. State of M.P. & ors.

03.06.2016

Criminal

SC’s rancour over police’s disregard for individual liberty

Two women were awarded Rs. 5 lakhs each as compensation for humiliating and insensitive behaviour by the police. The Supreme Court admonished the Cyber Cell of Bhopal police department for “seriously jeopardising” the dignity of the two women, a doctor and a practicing advocate.

The Petitioners had become embroiled in fraudulent transactions, which were investigated by the Inspector General of Police, Cyber Cell. The cyber police arrested the Petitioners from their residence and transported them from Pune to Bhopal in an inhumane manner, without first having produced them before the local Magistrate. They were released on bail after more two weeks in custody.

The court noted that the police had several options under the Information Act 2000, each less drastic than aggressively arresting the women; instead, it “experimented” with the liberty of the Petitioners. Moreover, police conduct was especially egregious in light of the civil nature of the dispute.

Tags : abuse of power police cyber cell liberty dignity

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