Policing in India and the Status of Human Rights

Abstract

This chapter deals with the policing system in India, the police acts and various other related acts enforced in the country, and the status of human rights of the accused or the person in detention. There have been frequent incidents of violation of human rights and complaints against the use of torture, third-degree methods, illegal detention, custodial deaths, assaults, and fake encounters, which have been reported by the media. There are numerous instances of reported custodial crimes and terrible cases of the use of third-degree methods, harassment, and misuse of power, position, and authority. This chapter discusses such serious violations of human rights of the accused and imprisoned by way of arrest, third-degree methods, unwarranted summoning of people/suspects to the police station, and various other custodial crimes. The chapter also discusses the provision of bail in non-bailable offences and handcuffing in the country. It highlights the role of the National Human Rights Commission and its relation with the police system and upholding of human rights.