Human rights commission directs strict action against inhuman lockup practice

Thiruvananthapuram: State human rights commission (SHRC) chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas has directed strict action against police officers who make accused persons in police station lockups to remain dressed only in their undergarments.The commission also directed the state police chief to ensure that instructions issued from police headquarters on the matter are being strictly followed across the state. The action was taken on a complaint alleging that forcing detainees to remain in lockups wearing only undergarments amounts to a violation of human rights and fundamental rights. The commission sought a report from the ADGP (law and order). According to the report, police headquarters already issued clear instructions that police personnel must not engage in any act that violates the human rights or fundamental rights of accused persons. The report further stated that strict disciplinary action would be initiated against officers found acting in violation of these directives. The action follows a complaint filed by an Amaravila resident R G Leninraj.