The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected the report filed by the District Magistrate of Taran Taran, Punjab, on the March 3 incident in which local police thrashed a 22-year-old woman and her father.
A Bench comprising Justice G S Singhvi and Justice Kurian Joseph also asked the District Magistrate to be present in the court at the next date of hearing. The Bench said in its brief order that the report is thoroughly incorrect. “We are also of the opinion that corrective measures were not taken,” the Bench added.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, whose assistance was taken by the court as amicus, told the Bench that the magistrate had the courage to tell the SC that the police resorted to lathicharge to control the law and order.
“He has the courage of filing such a report in the Supreme Court and I brought it to the notice of the Attorney General (AG). I’ve had the privilege of assisting this court for years, but have never seen such a thing.”“The report is atrocious. He contradicts himself, disbelieves everybody. Police allow the taxi driver to run away. Brother is arrested. The State should have never filed the report,” Salve added.
The AG said, “It is amazing. Before the matter reaches the Supreme Court, they take an apology letter.”
The Bench said, “The District Magistrate has to be present in the court at the next date of hearing. We will ask him some questions. If we are not satisfied, we’ll suspend him.”
Justice Singhvi asked Additional Solicitor General Siddarth Luthra, who was representing Punjab. “Let us see the video. The government of Punjab should give medals to them (policemen who beat up the lady) for their bravery.”
Turning to the AG, Justice Singhvi asked, “What is the solution? Everyday such incidents are occurring all over the country. They pay a compensation of ` 10,000. Is that the price of dignity of a lady?”
Some states are implementing the SC guidelines issued in the Prakash Singh vs Union of India case. Some are not. Recruitment and training has to improve,” the AG replied.