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Haryana Rights Panel Fines Home Department Rs 50K Over Custodial Abuse of Disabled Man

By holding two officers personally liable for forced stripping followed by circulation of semi-nude images, the July order enforces Article 21 safeguards.

The fine is to be recovered from the guilty police officials, officials said. (FILE)
The commission highlighted that the Haryana home department failed to respond to the show cause notice issued against the police officials involved. (HT File)
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Overview

  • The full bench of the Haryana Human Rights Commission issued its order on July 16 after a four-year inquiry by its Investigation Wing into a May 2021 arrest at Saran police station.
  • The commission found that ASI Jagwati and Constable Rakesh Kumar compelled the disabled chartered accountant to undress and allowed his brother-in-law to photograph and film him in a semi-nude state.
  • The order ruled that the officers’ actions amounted to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment in violation of the detainee’s right to life, personal liberty and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.
  • A ₹50,000 penalty has been imposed on the Haryana Home Department with directions to recover the amount directly from the two errant officers.
  • Dr Puneet Arora of the HHRC said the symbolic compensation underscores the state’s obligation to uphold human dignity and sends a clear message against custodial torture.