'Don't Know What You're Investigating, But Follow Procedure': High Court Tells Delhi Police Over Alleged Illegal Detention Of Activists

The Delhi High Court on Monday orally asked the Delhi Police to follow procedure prescribed in law during the investigation initiated against 10 activists who alleged that they were kept in illegal detention. 

A division bench comprising Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja said that while the Court does not know what the police was investigating, but the prescribed legal process must be followed.

The Court was dealing with a habeas corpus plea filed by kin of an activist namely Rudra Vikram.

Advocate Jasdeep Dhillon appearing for the petitioner said that while the police yesterday told Court that all individuals were released on March 14, Rudra was released only after yesterday's hearing.

Dhillon said that Rudra has been subjected to torture and that marks of physical injuries were also present on his person. He said that Rudra was hit on his hands, private parts and face.

Dhillon then prayed that a medical board be constituted for conducting medical checkup of Rudra.

However, the Bench refused to constitute a medical board and said that Rudra can get the medical checkup done himself if he wishes.

“There is no need for medical (board). You can get it done yourself,” the Court said.

The standing counsel appearing for the Delhi Police said that while all the detainees were directed to remain present today for investigation, all of them have been absent.

On this, the Court remarked: “You have the powers. We are only…. We don't even know what you are investigating. All we want is that there is a procedure prescribed, please follow it.”

“I assure you my lords,” the Delhi Police standing counsel said.

The Court also directed that CCTV footage of the relevant areas be preserved. The case will now be heard on March 27, along with habeas corpus petitions concerning other detainees.

Yesterday, the Court held a special Sunday sitting, and asked the Delhi Police to explain the circumstances and the authority in law under which they were detained.