Kerala Human Rights Panel Demands Action on Police Lockup Practices

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission, chaired by Justice Alexander Thomas, has called for strict action against police officers who permit accused individuals to wear only undergarments in station lockups. This directive emphasizes ensuring that human rights instructions are followed, based on a complaint and subsequent report from the ADGP on the issue.

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has issued a stern directive concerning the treatment of accused individuals in police lockups. Justice Alexander Thomas, chairperson of the commission, announced the call for stringent action against officers allowing such individuals to be kept in undergarments.

The notice was based on a complaint from R G Leninraj, a Thiruvananthapuram resident, highlighting this practice as a violation of human and fundamental rights. In response, the state police chief has been instructed to ensure compliance with previously issued headquarters guidelines.

The commission's decision follows a report from the ADGP (Law and Order) warning of disciplinary action for any deviation. Police personnel are reminded not to infringe upon rights, maintaining the dignity of accused persons in their custody.