Bengaluru, July 31: The Karnataka High Court has sharply criticized the state government and police regarding an alleged attack on a 19-year-old mentally ill youth in Chamarajanagar district. Justice M. Nagaprasanna raised serious concerns about the law and order situation in Karnataka.
Recently, a petition was filed by the boy’s father seeking the dismissal of a criminal case against his son. During the hearing, Justice Nagaprasanna made strong remarks after viewing images of the incident.
The judge questioned, “Is this the rule of law? What is happening? I have been saying daily that there is chaos in the state. There is no rule of law. This does not happen anywhere in the world. Such things do not occur in a democratic system.”
This case is linked to an incident last month in a village in Chamarajanagar district, where the mentally ill boy was accused of damaging the lighting of a signboard featuring Dr. Ambedkar’s image.
According to arguments presented in court, locals allegedly stripped the boy, tied him to an electric pole, and assaulted him before the police arrived to rescue him. Despite his mental condition, the police registered a case against the youth under Sections 299 and 324(4) of the Indian Penal Code.
The Karnataka High Court had previously instructed the police not to take any coercive action against the petitioner. Expressing concern over the incident, Justice Nagaprasanna stated that such actions have no place in a democratic society. He remarked, “Even in the worst regimes, such things have long been stopped, but not in this country.”
The court was also informed that a Superintendent of Police was seen on camera threatening to deport the youth and warning that an FIR would be filed against him every year. The judge questioned, “Does the SP have the right to speak like this? What kind of appeasement is this?” The case remains under consideration in the High Court.
Leave a Comment