Punjab Police Dominates Human Rights Complaints in State Commission Report
According to the latest data from the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC), the Punjab Police force remains the primary subject of human rights violation complaints in the state. In 2025, out of a total of 11,768 cases instituted by the commission, approximately 5,841 complaints—nearly 50 percent—were directed against the police department.
Comparative Analysis of Complaint Trends
This figure represents a significant increase from the previous year, 2024, when 4,706 complaints were registered against the police. The data underscores a persistent trend, with the police consistently topping the list since the commission's establishment in Punjab.
Other government departments accounted for far fewer complaints in 2025. The Jail Department faced 349 cases, while 565 complaints were related to women's issues. Additionally, the commission recorded 169 health-related complaints and 278 cases concerning service matters. Notably, 40 complaints involved alleged violations affecting Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities.
Insights from Officials and Former Officers
A senior IPS officer commented on the high number of cases, attributing it to the nature of police work. "The police handle hundreds of cases daily. A few errors in judgment or actions by some officers should not be interpreted as evidence of systemic human rights violations," the officer stated, emphasizing the challenges faced by law enforcement.
However, a PSHRC insider expressed concern over the continued volume of complaints. "While this is not a new trend, the sustained high number of such complaints calls for serious introspection and reform within the police force," the insider noted.
Former police officers also acknowledged that allegations ranging from illegal confinement to custodial torture frequently reach the commission, highlighting ongoing issues in police conduct.
Background on the Punjab State Human Rights Commission
The PSHRC was established by the state government through a notification dated March 17, 1997, and began functioning on July 16, 1997. The commission is tasked with examining violations of rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity as guaranteed under the Constitution and international covenants enforceable in India.
This report from Patiala, updated as of March 17, 2026, sheds light on the critical need for accountability and improvement in law enforcement practices to uphold human rights standards in Punjab.
