Today, On 29th April, The Supreme Court rejected ex-IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt’s plea for bail and suspension of his life sentence but directed speedy hearing of his appeal pending before the top court.
The Madras High Court criticized Chennai Police for leaking the identity of a sexual assault victim from Anna University, questioning their accountability and handling of the case. The Court stressed the need for redaction of victim details in FIRs, emphasizing that lapses could deter future victims from seeking help.
The Supreme Court ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged custodial torture of two women during protests in West Bengal, replacing a previous CBI investigation. The Court directed the SIT’s formation and asked the Calcutta High Court to monitor the case, addressing concerns over bias and police integrity.
The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition from Shah Faisal, who sought compensation for alleged police torture, stating that “every arrest and detention does not amount to custodial torture.” The court emphasized that substantial evidence is required for claims under Article 21 of the Constitution and found no grounds for human rights violations in Faisal’s case against Mahrajganj police.
On Wednesday(25th Sept), a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India issued a split verdict in a 1995 custodial death case involving Shama alias Kalya, who was allegedly tortured in police custody in Gondia City, Maharashtra. The trial court had convicted some accused of culpable homicide while acquitting them of murder charges, a decision upheld by the Bombay High Court.
The Supreme Court has today issued a notice to the Gujarat Government regarding former police officer Sanjiv Bhatt’s appeal against his conviction and life sentence in a 1990 custodial death case. Bhatt, along with other officers, was found guilty of custodial torture following communal riots. The case will be heard alongside related appeals.
This week, The Madras High Court has directed the Director-General of Police to take action against eight officers involved in the custodial death of Esakki Muthu in 2014. This decision follows a legal battle led by Maheswari, the victim’s wife. The court emphasized the broader issue of custodial torture and urged an end to its normalization, highlighting the need for reforms.