The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has delivered a significant verdict, ordering the Tamil Nadu government to provide ₹1 lakh compensation to a couple who faced harassment from a woman police inspector during a dowry harassment investigation.
Police Inspector Faces Disciplinary Action
Commission member V Kannadasan issued directives for disciplinary action against S Karpagam, who served as the police inspector at Bargur All Women Police Station in Krishnagiri at the time of the incident. The commission specifically ordered that the compensation amount should be recovered from her personal funds, holding her directly accountable for her actions.
The Harassment Complaint Details
The case originated from a 2020 complaint filed by P G Saravanan and his wife Jayanthi. According to their allegations, Inspector Karpagam misused her authority while handling a dowry harassment case filed against them by their daughter-in-law, Hemalatha.
The couple detailed how the police officer conducted what they described as a kangaroo court on December 26, 2019 at a marriage hall in Bargur. During this unofficial proceeding, they were forced to surrender 105 sovereigns of gold and five kilograms of silver articles. Additionally, they were compelled to sign promissory notes worth ₹11 lakh and provide a demand draft for ₹10 lakh.
They further alleged that Inspector Karpagam repeatedly summoned them to the police station, threatened to cancel their bail, and subjected them to continuous mental harassment throughout the investigation process.
Commission's Investigation Findings
During its thorough inquiry, the Human Rights Commission examined both oral testimony and documentary evidence. Crucially, the commission reviewed photographs showing gold ornaments placed on the inspector's table, providing visual evidence supporting the couple's claims.
The commission also noted that the original case filed against the couple was eventually dismissed by the additional mahila court in Krishnagiri on October 31, 2022, raising questions about the validity of the initial complaint and the police handling of the case.
Legal Procedures Must Be Followed
In its ruling condemning the inspector's conduct, the SHRC emphasized that police officials must strictly follow legal procedures and cannot resort to coercion or unofficial settlements. The commission's observation serves as an important reminder about the boundaries of police authority and the proper methods for handling such sensitive cases.
This case highlights the crucial role of human rights institutions in protecting citizens from potential misuse of power by law enforcement authorities, while also underscoring the importance of proper legal protocols in sensitive family matters like dowry harassment cases.
