The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has strongly condemned the inhuman treatment of a physically challenged man who was forced to undress and filmed while in police custody. The commission described the act as "cruel" and a "direct violation of the right to life and dignity" guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
The incident took place in May 2021 when the man, a chartered accountant and a resident of Faridabad, was arrested in connection with a criminal case filed by his wife. In his complaint to the HHRC, the man said that police officials at the Saran police station forced him to strip, took photographs, and recorded videos of him in a semi-naked condition. These images were later circulated on social media, causing him deep humiliation and severe psychological trauma.
After a thorough inquiry, the HHRC ruled that the Haryana Home Department must pay ₹50,000 as compensation to the victim. The commission also directed that the compensation amount be recovered from the two police officials involved—an assistant sub-inspector and a constable—who were found guilty of misconduct.
Puneet Arora, the Protocol and Information and Public Relations Officer of the HHRC, clarified that the compensation is symbolic and not meant to fully cover the mental and emotional harm suffered by the victim. “This order sends a clear message that the system will not tolerate custodial abuse or misuse of power,” Arora said.
The victim, in his statement, described the experience as "akin to a living death," adding that the humiliation and psychological impact of the incident still weigh heavily on him. He said the trauma has pushed him into a state of deep depression, with lasting effects on his mental health and professional life.
In its order dated July 16, 2025, a full bench of the HHRC, comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, stated that the commission’s Investigation Wing confirmed the allegations. The inquiry found that the complainant’s brother-in-law was allowed by police to take photographs and record videos of him while he was confined in the lock-up in a semi-nude condition.
“These images and videos were later shared on social media, exposing the complainant to public ridicule and causing irreparable damage to his dignity,” the order noted. The commission underlined that a police station is a secure environment, and outsiders should never be allowed to record or photograph detainees, especially in such vulnerable conditions.
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The HHRC called this an alarming breakdown of custodial protocol. It added, “In doing so, the police not only failed in their duty to protect the individual in their custody but actively enabled the public dissemination of humiliating content.”
The HHRC order strongly emphasized that this act was a direct violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The commission noted that no individual, regardless of the charges against them, should ever face such degrading treatment.
“This incident challenges the very spirit of constitutional values and the idea of human dignity. Such cruel and degrading treatment, especially of a person with disability, is unacceptable in a civilized society,” the order said.
The commission further highlighted that the psychological consequences of being stripped in custody are long-lasting and amount to inhuman and degrading treatment. This, it said, makes the complainant entitled to both legal protection and compensation under constitutional and human rights laws.
The HHRC’s findings indicate a serious lapse in police conduct. The fact that civilians were allowed inside the lock-up to photograph the victim highlights the lack of adherence to basic custodial rules. The commission warned that such misconduct damages public trust in law enforcement and cannot be excused under any circumstances.
“Police custody must not turn into an instrument of torture and shame,” the HHRC stated. It called for stronger measures to ensure that the rights and dignity of individuals in custody are protected at all times.
The commission also stressed that this case should serve as an example for law enforcement agencies to follow proper procedures and avoid any form of custodial harassment.
The complainant continues to suffer from emotional trauma and mental distress resulting from the incident. Being publicly humiliated and exposed on social media has caused him to experience anxiety, depression, and reputational harm.
In his complaint, he said the ordeal has been life-altering, as he now lives under the constant shadow of that incident. His family and professional relationships have also been affected due to the public nature of the humiliation.
By directing the Home Department to recover the compensation directly from the guilty officers, the HHRC has set an example of accountability. This decision highlights the importance of ensuring that officials who misuse their authority face direct consequences.
The commission concluded its order with a strong message: “The role of police is to protect and uphold the rights of individuals, not to strip them of their dignity. This case demonstrates the need for stricter monitoring of custodial practices.”
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