Rights panel pulls up Panchkula police over delays, seeks explanations from senior officers

The human rights panel noted that 23 FIRs were registered against the complainant, many of which have already been quashed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court or cancelled by the police. However, FIR No. 315 of 2022, has remained pending for more than three years, with no clear investigative outcome, a delay the commission termed “disturbing”.

The HHRC said such conduct reflects “poor supervision, lack of procedural diligence and undermines public confidence in law enforcement”.

Invoking its powers under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the panel warned that monetary penalties of Rs 20,000 each could be imposed for non-compliance.

It issued show-cause notices to various officers and directed them to submit detailed replies, records and a status report. The commission said unexplained delays amount to denial of timely justice and will invite further action if not satisfactorily explained.