Externment Orders: Balancing Liberty and Law

The Delhi High Court ruled that externment orders cannot unjustifiably restrict liberty and livelihood. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna emphasized the need for substantial grounds before issuing such measures, criticizing their mechanical application. A man's challenge to an externation order highlights debates over police power and individual rights.

The Delhi High Court has determined that externment orders, which restrict an individual's movement, must not be used to unjustly limit people's freedom and right to livelihood without concrete evidence.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna highlighted that these orders, designed to maintain law and order, should not be issued mechanically. She underscored that while the police have the vital task of maintaining peace, they must not misuse their power to restrict individuals' rights on unsubstantiated grounds.

This observation was made in response to a man's application challenging an externment order upheld by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. The man argued that he was being unfairly targeted despite being acquitted of most criminal charges against him. The court noted the absence of evidence proving him as a threat to society.

(With inputs from agencies.)