Supreme Court’s ruling, began on March 9, 2022, when six policemen, including three constables, one head constable, a sub-inspector, and one inspector, summoned three tenants–Vijaykumar Vishwanath Dhawale and Vinod Dodhu Chaudhary among them—to a police station. Justices Vikram Nath and Satish Chandra Sharma expressed their dissatisfaction with the police officers’ actions
In a landmark judgment that underscores the importance of lawful conduct by law enforcement officials, the Supreme Court of India has levied a significant fine against six police officers from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, for their involvement in the illegal detention of three individuals and the unauthorized demolition of their rented property. This decision highlights the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rights of citizens and ensuring accountability within the police force.
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The case, which came to a head with the Supreme Court’s ruling, began on March 9, 2022, when six policemen, including three constables, one head constable, a sub-inspector, and one inspector, summoned three tenants—Vijaykumar Vishwanath Dhawale and Vinod Dodhu Chaudhary among them—to a police station. The individuals were detained for 24 hours, during which their rented premises were razed by relatives of the property’s former owner. Furthermore, under duress, the tenants were coerced into signing documents that ostensibly showed their agreement to vacate the premises.
In delivering their judgment on January 30, Justices Vikram Nath and Satish Chandra Sharma expressed their dissatisfaction with the police officers’ actions, which included conspiring in the illegal detention, coercing the tenants, and facilitating the demolition of the property without a judicial order. The bench emphasized the gravity of the officers’ misconduct, stating,
“However, what we are not satisfied with is why the police personnel have been allowed to go scot-free in a case where they had an apparent role in conspiring and in abetting the crime of the illegal detention of the tenants, coercing them to sign the document against their will, and getting the premises in question demolished without any order from a competent court.”
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As a consequence of their actions, the Supreme Court imposed a cumulative fine of ₹12 lakh on the six officers, directing that each of the two complainants should receive a cost of ₹6 lakh. The court specified that the amount should be contributed by the involved officers and deposited into the account of the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund within four weeks from the date of the judgment. Proof of this deposit must be filed with the court’s registry, as well as with the magistrate and the high court, within six weeks.
The court’s decision also included a provision to quash and close the ongoing litigation related to the demolition and the subsequent criminal case between the tenants and the former owners, along with the implicated police officers. However, the justices made it clear that this ruling should not adversely affect the officers’ careers, stating that the order should not be included in their service records or impact their considerations for promotions.
This ruling not only brings closure to the affected tenants but also sets a precedent for the conduct expected of law enforcement officials. It serves as a reminder that the power vested in the police must be exercised within the bounds of law, with respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals. The Supreme Court’s decision is a significant step towards ensuring that justice is served and that similar abuses of power are deterred in the future.
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