Madras High Court Questions Police’s Hesitation Over One-Man Commission in Chennai Workers’ Protest

Quick Summary:

• The Madras High Court refused to extend its interim order suspending the formation of a one-man commission to investigate alleged police excesses during protests by Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) conservancy workers.
• The chief Justice’s Bench directed the commission, headed by retired judge V.Parthiban, to begin the fact-finding process without delay.
• The September 2 constitution of the commission was initially challenged and put on hold until September 17 but has been reinstated for immediate action.
• Allegations include illegal arrests, harassment of legal assistants aiding protesters, and claims of human rights abuses and sexual harassment raised by detained women workers during their August 13 protest.
• A group of 12 women conservancy workers has filed a writ petition urging inquiries by both the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and the State Women’s Commission into these allegations.
• The matters are scheduled for further hearings with time given until October 10 for a government counter-affidavit.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The court’s insistence on proceeding with an impartial investigation demonstrates commitment toward addressing allegations concerning civil liberties violations amid protests. Appointing a retired judge to lead this inquiry may bolster public confidence in uncovering objective truths related to police conduct and also accountability within institutional frameworks like SHRC or TNSCW if future recommendations arise from findings hear examined neutrally illustrative societal democratic-function benchmarks valuable long term outcomes!.

Read More