SC rejects magisterial report as ‘scrap paper fit for dustbin’

“The report is rejected. It is misleading and contain wrong facts,” the bench said,adding,“It does not have the value more than that of a scrap paper to be thrown in dustbin”.

It ordered that the girl be provided protection and directed the Secretary,Union Territory of Chandigarh administration,to make available adequate security to her. It clarified that the security provided to the girl should not be from Punjab Police.

During the proceedings,the bench got infuriated on reading the report,which said that such baton charges do happen and warned the state government of imposing a heavy penalty if such incident recurs in the state.

“Do you not feel ashamed when a lady is beaten up by police and the state DGP goes on television on that very day justifying the action without conducting any inquiry against police officials,” it said.

The Bench also indicated that it would impose hefty cost on Punjab.

“We will definitely impose the penalty but that will not solve the problem altogether. What is the solution? It is happening everyday. Helpless women are beaten up mercilessly without reasons. Problem lies with the recruitment. It is the psyche of a policeman who gets bad treatment from his senior and he is on 24-hour duty. He then finds common man as the softest target,” said the Bench.

Attorney General G E Vahanvati said that fundamental point is to prevent recurrence of such events and proper amendments in the police manuals by the states to incorporate specific provisions for dealing with women and handling difficult situations with sensitivity. He added that states must also apprise the court about the status of police complaint authorities.

Attorney General G E Vahanvati said it was amazing that the father of the girl was asked to sign a compromise deal in the police station. Senior advocate Harish Salve,assisting the court as an amicus curiae,said the magistrate’s report is atrocious.

The court fixed the matter for April 11 to delve on all the issues in detail.

On March 4,the 22-year-old girl and her father were thrashed by constables when she had approached them for lodging a complaint against harassment by a truck driver and his accomplices in Tarn Taran.