Contempt Plea In Gujarat HC Alleges Patan Police Paraded, Assaulted Chanasma Clash Accused
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A contempt petition has been filed before the Gujarat High Court alleging that police officials publicly paraded, assaulted and forced to apologise several accused who had allegedly attacked police personnel and driven them away during a clash in Chanasma, Patan district.
Dispute Over Farmhouse on Gauchar Land
The incident dates back to March, when a dispute erupted between members of two communities in Chanasma over a farmhouse allegedly constructed on gauchar (grazing) land by a person with a criminal background. Members of another community allegedly attacked the farmhouse.
The farmhouse owner had reportedly informed the police in advance about the possibility of an attack. Despite the warning, police personnel present at the spot allegedly fled following the attack. The personnel were subsequently suspended, while the local authorities later demolished the allegedly illegal farmhouse.
Accused Allegedly Tied With Ropes, Beaten in Public
According to the contempt petition, police subsequently arrested the accused allegedly involved in the attack and took them on a public procession after tying them with ropes. The accused were allegedly beaten, made to fold their hands in public and forced to apologise.
The petition has alleged that the conduct amounted to public abuse and a violation of the dignity and human rights of the accused.
Judgment Cited Before High Court
The petition cites the Supreme Court's landmark D.K. Basu judgment, raising issues concerning alleged police abuse, violation of human dignity and infringement of fundamental rights.
The petition has sought contempt proceedings against the police officials and personnel allegedly responsible for the conduct. The Patan Superintendent of Police, Chanasma Deputy Superintendent of Police, Patan SOG and Chanasma Police Inspector have been named as parties.
High Court Directs Police Personnel to Appear
The Gujarat High Court had earlier issued notices in the matter. However, after the concerned police personnel failed to appear before the court despite the notices, the court took serious note of their absence.
The court has directed the responsible police personnel to remain present before it on October 14.
The petitioner has sought exemplary disciplinary action and contempt proceedings against the police officers and personnel allegedly responsible for the incident.
