The Madras High Court upheld the State Human Rights Commission’s (SHRC) order granting ₹1,00,000 compensation to a custodial torture victim. The division bench, led by Justice J Nisha Banu, stated that police must maintain law and order while protecting human dignity. The male victim alleged unlawful detention at 3 AM on December 20, 2013. Police reportedly stripped and assaulted him in custody. Later, they took him to a secluded area near a city police station and continued the torture. After reviewing the case, the SHRC found a clear violation of human dignity and fundamental rights. It directed the State to compensate the victim and recover the amount from the responsible officers. The officers challenged the order, calling it unjustified. However, the High Court noted their delay in filing the petition. The court also pointed out the lack of valid medical evidence in their defense. The bench confirmed that the SHRC’s findings were fair and legally sound. It dismissed the officers’ petitions and upheld the compensation order.
This verdict reinforces police accountability and highlights the legal consequences of custodial violence. It sends a strong message that human rights violations will not go unpunished.
