The Telangana High Court has expressed its stern disapproval of the Karimnagar Two Town police station’s failure to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the son of a district judge. The allegations involve serious charges of assault and sexual harassment brought forward by a dismissed woman employee, highlighting a troubling disregard for legal procedures and victim rights.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J Anil Kumar, took cognizance of the matter during a hearing of a petition filed by the aggrieved woman, who had been employed as an office subordinate at the residences of additional district judges in Karimnagar. Appointed in January 2023 and subsequently transferred thrice, her employment was terminated on October 6, 2023, under the pretext of qualification misrepresentation. The court has now ordered Station House Officer (SHO) O Venkat to appear before it, marking a decisive step towards addressing the grievance.
The woman’s dismissal was officially attributed to her having concealed her Bachelor of Science (BSc) qualification, as the job reportedly required a maximum educational attainment of Class 7 pass or Class 10 fail. However, the underlying issue, as per her complaint, was far more grave. She accused the elder son of a woman district judge of continuous physical and sexual harassment over three months, a situation she claims was ignored by the judicial member she reported to.
Her advocate, Kumara Swamy Namburi, pointed out that while several employees were dismissed on similar grounds, an FIR was lodged only against her by the administrative officer of the Karimnagar district court, allegedly due to her vocal opposition to the harassment she endured. Her attempts to register a complaint with the Karimnagar police were met with resistance, culminating in a futile wait at the police station from 11 am to 4 pm.
The High Court’s intervention came after it was revealed that the police had not registered the FIR, citing the absence of a written complaint from the woman. This claim was contested by the woman’s counsel, who informed the court of her unsuccessful efforts to lodge the complaint formally. The bench’s frustration with the police’s inaction was palpable, as they demanded to review the general diary of the police station, hinting at external pressures influencing the SHO’s reluctance to act.
The judges’ remarks,
“We want to see your general diary also. We understand under whose pressure you are acting,”
reflect a deep concern over the integrity of law enforcement processes. They further warned the state counsel that failure to ensure the SHO’s court appearance within 48 hours would result in the issuance of a bailable warrant against the officer.
This case not only sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals seeking justice against powerful adversaries but also underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding legal standards and protecting citizens’ rights. The Telangana High Court’s assertive response serves as a reminder of the legal system’s duty to act without bias or influence, ensuring that all complaints, especially those involving allegations of harassment and assault, are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
As the legal community and the public await further developments, this incident remains a critical test of the Indian judiciary’s resolve to confront misconduct within its ranks and the broader issue of police accountability in handling sensitive cases.
