India’s apex human rights panel Thursday asked the Delhi government to pay compensation to an injured woman mistreated by Delhi Police at the Karkardooma court last year.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had taken suo moto cognizance after media reports highlighted the case of brutality March 14 last year where police dragged the injured woman by her limbs instead of taking her on a stretcher or a wheel chair.
“The NHRC, having found out that an injured woman with her leg plastered was dragged by her hands and legs by police at the Karkardooma court in Delhi instead of taking her on a stretcher or a wheel chair, has recommended that the Delhi government pay Rs.25,000 to the victim as monetary relief,” the NHRC said in a statement.
“The Commission had issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner while observing that it believes that upholding the dignity and rights of woman in today’s society is of prime importance and the state functionaries have to lead by example in this endeavour,” the statement added.
“Such acts, if any, should be condemned. Women rights and their dignity should not be compromised under any circumstances. The Commission considers this act of police, if true, as violation of human rights,” it said.
According to the NHRC, the Delhi government has informed that an administrative approval for paying the compensation amount has been given, but the rights panel was yet to receive a compliance report and proof of payment from Delhi chief secretary who was given six weeks time on the Feb 8, 2012 to respond.
The NHRC had issued a show-cause notice to a police official for misconduct and poor handling while the woman, injured in a road accident, was being brought before the court in east Delhi for recording her statement.
“The Commission observed that by doing so, the police personnel have betrayed their insensitivity and scant respect towards the lady victim and by their inhuman act they have violated her human right of dignity. Consequently, the state is liable to compensate the victim,” the NHRC said.
