P&H HC Directs Haryana DGP To Implement Police Guidelines In DK Basu Case During Farmers' Protests Against Three Agriculture Ordinances [Read Order]

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed the DGP, Haryana to 'sensitize' police officials performing duties during these protests, about the Guidelines for Police, laid down by the Supreme Court in the DK Basu Case.

The Bench of Justice Arun Monga was hearing a plea filed by the Haryana Progressive Farmers Union, alleging that the during the farmers' protest against the Agriculture Ordinances on September 10, 2020, few unknown persons, some in police uniform and others without, resorted to lathi charge to dispel the crowd. In the said incident, numerous farmers, including many old aged, were allegedly injured by unknown police officials but even the basic medical care was not provided.

Aggrieved by such inhuman behaviour, the Petitioner-organization had sought for implementation of the DK Basu Guidelines, which settled the parameters of police administration including act and conduct of police, way back in 1997.

It was pointed out that as per the DK Basu Guidelines, Police personnel while on law and order duty must wear uniform with accurate, visible and clear identification and name togs with their designations.

Justice Monga disposed of the plea as he remarked that no doubt the procedural safeguards envisaged in the DK Basu Guidelines have to be observed by the Police administration, in letter and spirit.

He said that he expects the competent authority to look into the matter and pass appropriate orders, "as expeditiously as possible".

Related Developments

The Ordinances that have sparked the farmers' protests were passed as Bills by the Parliament today.

The Supreme Court has decided to revive the DK Basu Case, to consider fresh guidelines to prevent Custodial Violence.

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