Jharkhand High Court Takes Strong Action Against Police Over Illegal Detention
The Jharkhand High Court delivered a stern rebuke to the Chatra district police on Friday for the alleged illegal detention of a 19-year-old student at the Lawalong police station. A division bench comprising Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Arun Kumar Rai was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by the victim's mother, Akhtari Khatun, which brought the serious matter to judicial attention.
Details of the Illegal Detention Emerge in Court
The court was informed that the victim, a matriculation student, was picked up by police during an investigation conducted by the Tandwa police station in connection with case number 26/2026. Shockingly, two other children were also taken into custody for interrogation on January 27 and January 30. According to the petition, all three minors were then held in the police lock-up for an extended period of 10 days without any proper legal procedure being followed.
The petitioner emphasized that the police had detained the children illegally without informing their parents or the court, violating fundamental rights and proper protocol. This detention occurred despite clear legal requirements regarding the handling of minors in police custody.
Court's Immediate Actions and Summons
After hearing detailed arguments, the high court took decisive action by ordering the Chatra Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) along with the officers-in-charge of both the Lawalong and Tandwa police stations to appear in person at the next hearing scheduled for February 13. During Friday's proceedings, the officers-in-charge of the concerned police stations were already present in the courtroom.
In a dramatic move, the court confiscated their mobile phones and made a direct call to the Chatra Superintendent of Police (SP). The bench questioned the SP rigorously about whether proper formalities had been followed before interrogating children at the police station. The high court specifically inquired about details mentioned in the case diary of Tandwa police station case number 26/2026, asking pointedly whether the detention of the children at Lawalong police station had been properly documented in the official records.
Broader Implications for Police Accountability
This case highlights significant concerns about police procedures and the protection of minors within the justice system. The court's intervention underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding citizens' rights against potential overreach by law enforcement agencies. The upcoming hearing on February 13 is expected to further examine the circumstances surrounding this detention and determine appropriate accountability measures.
The habeas corpus petition, a legal mechanism designed to prevent unlawful detention, has successfully brought this matter to judicial scrutiny. Legal experts note that such interventions are crucial for maintaining checks and balances within the law enforcement framework, particularly when vulnerable populations like students and minors are involved.
