MUMBAI — In a resounding rebuke to police practices, the High Court has highlighted the alarming trend of neglecting citizen complaints regarding police misconduct. The court's commentary came in a recent ruling ordering a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to a woman whose husband was illegally detained by local police. The bench, comprised of Justice Bharti Dangre and Justice Manjusha Deshpande, expressed grave concerns over the misuse of arrest powers by law enforcement officials. The case arose when the petitioner and her husband, engaged in home repairs in Shiv locality, faced harassment from a neighbor who demanded a bribe, falsely claiming their construction was illegal. After refusing to comply, the couple sought assistance from the Wadala TT Police, only to be turned away under the pretext that their complaint did not fall within the police's jurisdiction.
In a shocking turn of events, the petitioner's husband, along with others, was arrested shortly thereafter. Allegations surfaced that the police demanded bribes for their release. While the other individuals managed to secure their freedom after paying the required sums, the petitioner’s husband remained in custody, only to be released later on bail. The court found it particularly troubling that the police not only failed to address the couple's initial complaint but also pursued financial gain by demanding money from the petitioner to close the case. The Maharashtra Police Act was invoked by the police as justification for their actions; however, the court categorically rejected their claims, stating that the circumstances did not warrant an arrest.
In its ruling, the court emphasized that the right to arrest should not be exercised arbitrarily and criticized the lack of a thorough investigation into the police officer's conduct. The ruling serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability within the police force and reinforces the court's stance that citizen complaints must be taken seriously. The ordered compensation of Rs 1 lakh will be deducted from the concerned officer's salary, marking a significant step toward holding law enforcement accountable for their actions. This ruling not only aims to provide justice to the petitioner but also serves as a critical commentary on the systemic issues surrounding police accountability in the region.
