The Allahabad High Court has pulled up the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for closing a custodial death case dating back to 2009 merely on the basis of a police report, observing that such an approach defeats the very purpose of an independent human rights watchdog.
A Division Bench of Justices Atul Sreedharan and Siddharth noted that the Commission appeared to have accepted the police version “as gospel truth” without carrying out any meaningful or independent assessment of the allegations surrounding the custodial death of a differently-abled man.
The Court was hearing proceedings related to the alleged custodial torture and death of the victim in Uttar Pradesh. During the hearing, the Bench expressed serious concern over what it described as institutional lapses on the part of the police authorities as well as the NHRC.
Questioning the manner in which the Commission dealt with the matter, the Court observed that allegations of custodial violence cannot be dismissed solely on the strength of reports submitted by the very agency accused of wrongdoing. It emphasised that an independent body like the NHRC is expected to critically examine such cases instead of mechanically endorsing the police narrative.
The High Court also flagged the disappearance of crucial evidence, including a video recording allegedly linked to the incident. Taking note of the missing material, the Bench directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the issue and trace the footage.
Highlighting the gravity of custodial deaths, the Court observed that such incidents amount to a direct assault on the fundamental right to life and liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. It added that institutions entrusted with protecting human rights must inspire confidence through impartial and effective scrutiny, particularly in cases involving allegations against State authorities.
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