The Karnataka High Court has ordered disciplinary action against a police officer for filing a false charge sheet under the NDPS Act against two students, despite forensic evidence proving their innocence.
A disturbing trend has emerged in recent years, where individuals, particularly students, are being targeted by law enforcement officials under false pretexts. The latest case, which has led to widespread outrage, involves two students who were booked under the NDPS Act (Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985) despite being innocent.
The police officer in question had filed the false charge sheet, leading to the harassment and trauma of the students, who were even subjected to a lengthy and arduous court battle. However, the court has now taken cognizance of the case and has ordered disciplinary action against the errant officer.
According to the case details, the two students were picked up by the police on suspicion of being in possession of narcotics. However, upon forensic examination, it was found that the students were in possession of nothing incriminating. Despite the clean chit from the forensic lab, the police officer proceeded to file the charge sheet, which is a gross violation of the law.
The Karnataka High Court has taken a stern view of the matter, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to legal procedures in drug-related cases to prevent misuse of power. The court has also underscored the importance of protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly in cases where there is no basis for the allegations.
This is not the first time that such an incident has come to light in Karnataka or elsewhere in the country. In the past few years, there have been several instances where innocent individuals have been targeted by the police and other law enforcement agencies under false pretexts. Such cases not only lead to the harassment and trauma of the victims but also damage the credibility of the police and the judiciary as a whole.
In this particular case, the court has directed the state home secretary to take disciplinary action against the errant police officer and also to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. The court has also asked the home secretary to file a compliance report in the matter.
The judgment has been hailed by civil liberties activists who have long been demanding accountability from the police and other law enforcement agencies. "The judiciary has done its job, but it is now for the state government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The police must be made accountable for their actions," said a civil liberties activist.
This case has once again highlighted the need for police reforms in India and the importance of protecting the fundamental rights of citizens. The law enforcement agencies must be made accountable for their actions, and strict adherence to legal procedures must be ensured to prevent the misuse of power.