The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 16th May 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India’s order on May 1, seeking to recall its own decision in Ritu Chhabaria vs Union of India upon the insistence of the Solicitor-General of India, Tushar Mehta, that central investigation agencies were ‘facing difficulties’, has caused concern among legal professionals. 

Police Custody

• Police custody refers to the situation in which a person is detained and held in police custody for interrogation, investigation, or the prevention of further criminal activities.

• A magistrate can only order police custody for a maximum of 15 days. Following that, the accused must be either freed on bond or placed in judicial custody, where he or she is detained in jail under the supervision of the court.
• Police custody may be extended beyond 15 days only if the accused has committed a heinous crime punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for more than ten years. The police can seek judicial custody for up to 90 days in such circumstances.

• Police custody does not indicate that the accused individual can be tortured, abused, or harassed.
• The accused has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, as well as to be informed of the reasons for his or her detention and the charges levelled against him or her.
• Police custody also does not imply that the police can question the accused without his or her consent.
• The accused has the right to remain silent and refuse to answer any questions that may incriminate him or her.
• The accused individual has the right to consult with a lawyer of his or her choice and to get legal aid if he or she cannot afford a lawyer.

• The Magistrate has the authority under Section 167 (2) of the CrPC to "authorize the detention of the accused in such custody as such Magistrate thinks fit, for a term not exceeding fifteen days in total."
• Police custody is subject to judicial review and monitoring. Within 24 hours of arrest, the police must bring the accused person before a magistrate and report on the progress of the investigation.
• If there are any signs of harm or ill-treatment, the magistrate may require a medical examination of the accused person.
• If the magistrate is dissatisfied with the police custody, he or she may grant bail or transfer the offender to judicial custody.

• Length of the Custody: The period and conditions of police detention. In some circumstances, police detention could last many days or even weeks without judicial oversight or review. This can result in extended deprivation of liberty, as well as an increase in the likelihood of torture, ill-treatment, or coercion.
• Use of Force of Violence: The use of force and violence in police custody. There have been numerous examples and reports of police personnel using excessive or unjustified force and violence against inmates in custody. Physical assaults, beatings, electric shocks, sexual abuse, or psychological pressure are all examples of this.
• Lack of Accountability: The absence of accountability and transparency in police custody. There is frequently no efficient process or procedure in place to monitor, investigate, or discipline any wrongdoing or abuse that happens in police custody.

Suggestions to reform the Police Custody system

• Police custody should be used only as a last resort and for the shortest possible time necessary.
• It should also be subject to regular judicial oversight and review.
• The conditions of police custody should comply with international standards and norms, such as providing adequate food, water, medical care, hygiene facilities, and legal assistance to the detainees.
• The detainees should also be informed of their rights and obligations in a language they understand.

• Police officers should respect and protect the human rights and dignity of the detainees in their custody.
• They should use force only when strictly necessary and proportionate to the situation.
• They should also refrain from any act or threat that may cause physical or mental harm or suffering to the detainees.
• Any allegation or suspicion of torture, ill-treatment, or coercion in police custody should be promptly reported, investigated, and prosecuted.

• There should be an independent and effective mechanism or body to monitor, inspect, and evaluate the conduct and performance of police officers in relation to police custody.
• There should also be a comprehensive and accurate record-keeping or documentation system for all aspects of police custody.
  • This should include information such as the identity of the detainee, the reason for detention, the time and place of detention, the treatment received by the detainee, any complaints made by or on behalf of the detainee etc.

Way Forward

• Police custody is an essential step in the criminal justice system because it concerns both individual rights and freedoms and the interests of public safety and security.
  • It is a necessarily limited strategy used by the police to maintain law and order and to preserve public safety.
• There are several challenges and concerns, including the possibility of abuse, coercion, mistreatment, or violations of human rights. Therefore, reforming the police custody system is critical to ensuring that it is fair, transparent, and accountable, and upholds the rule of law.