Gujarat HC fines cop ₹3 lakh for assaulting innocent advocate in Surat
Updated: Sep 18th, 2024
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| Gujarat High Court |
In yet another case of blatant misuse of power by the police, the Gujarat High Court has taken a strict stance by reprimanding a Surat police inspector and imposing a hefty fine on him for assaulting an innocent citizen.
Advocate Hiren Naik, the applicant of this plea, was in a car with his friends, when Dindoli Police Inspector (PI) H J Solanki reportedly kicked him without any provocation and hurled abuses.
The incident, which subsequently reached the Gujarat High Court, resulted in the officer fined ₹3 lakh by the court for assaulting an innocent individual without cause.
PI Solanki also allegedly threatened the advocate with false charges under the NDPS (Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act.
Advocate Naik, determined to pursue justice, tried to file a complaint at the nearest police station, but the police refused to register it.
As a result, Naik approached the court to seek legal recourse. During the hearing, the complainant presented CCTV footage from the night of the incident, which was reviewed by the court.
While delivering the judgment, the High Court criticised the PI’s actions, stating, “The officer must remember for life how costly an unjustified assault on an innocent person can be. Even if the individual had been an actual offender, it would not justify kicking them. This fine should be a reminder before raising a hand or foot against anyone.”
The judge reprimanded the PI, stating, “Just because you have power, does that make you a hero? You can’t just assault someone without cause. Why has the government not taken action against such an officer?”
The High Court also demanded a response from senior police officials, instructing them to provide clarification on what actions would be taken against the PI.
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