Skip to main content

'This has to stop': Gujarat HC slams police over public parading

By A Representative 
The Gujarat High Court has issued a strong rebuke to the Vadodara City Police over the alleged custodial torture and public parading of five individuals, including young adolescents and their mother, in connection with a minor offence of hurling eggs at a Ganesh idol.
Hearing a contempt petition on May 7, 2026, a Division Bench comprising Justice B D Karia and Justice L K Pirzada observed that such acts of public humiliation amount to “State terrorism” and a “fragrant violation” of the Supreme Court’s landmark guidelines in DK Basu vs. State of West Bengal.
The petitioners — residents of the communally sensitive Pani Gate area in Vadodara — were allegedly paraded with their hands tied, forced to apologize publicly, and their videos circulated on official police social media handles. Their counsel, Advocate Anand Yagnik, described the conduct as extra-judicial punishment aimed at asserting police supremacy.
“Every now and then, we come across instances of public parading in newspapers. We really want to know what is the basis of this, and why is the law of the Supreme Court being violated so flagrantly?” the Bench remarked sternly. “This is a very serious issue, and it has to stop. Tomorrow, it can happen with anyone.”
The court issued notices to the accused police officers, including ranks of Police Inspector and Deputy Commissioner of Police. Without further hearing, the Bench signaled its intent to club multiple similar petitions alleging illegal parading and hear them together on June 18, 2026.
In a swift administrative response, Gujarat’s Director General of Police, Dr. K.L.N. Rao, issued a standing order on May 12 — less than a week after the court’s intervention — directing all senior officers to sensitize personnel against human rights violations, citing past judicial censure on handcuffing, tying with ropes, and public parading.
The next hearing is scheduled for June 18, where multiple cases on the issue will be taken up together.

Comments

Post a Comment

NOTE: Hateful, abusive comments won't be published. -- Editor

TRENDING

Small Farm, big success: How an innovative couple built a model of sustainable farming

By Bharat Dogra  In Sema, a remote village in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district, Bhagwati Lal and his wife Rekha share equal credit for creating a remarkable farm that has become an inspiration for villagers and visitors alike. Their achievement demonstrates how even a very small piece of land can provide a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods while enhancing climate resilience and protecting the environment.
Post a Comment
»

Gharapuri's discoveries: India finds a maritime past, ASI an app

By Gajanan Khergamker  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has once again demonstrated an extraordinary talent for mistaking administrative housekeeping for institutional achievement. At the very moment excavations at Gharapuri are yielding evidence that could fundamentally reshape our understanding of India's maritime past, the institution has chosen to celebrate the rollout of QR-enabled audio guides and GPS-supported navigation at its monuments. The contrast could not be starker. 
Post a Comment
»

What's behind Columbia's president-elect speaking out against continuing the country’s peace agenda

By Laura Violeta Devia López  There are just over three weeks left before Abelardo De La Espriella takes office as Colombia’s new president, despite the numerous allegations that cast a shadow over his election and, as usual, discredit the Colombian electoral system. The announcements already being made by Abelardo and his designated cabinet mark a significant change of course, not only for the Colombian people but also for the country’s place in the world.
Post a Comment
»