Cuttack: An Orissa high court judge has observed that unchecked harassment of persons in police stations will lead to “anarchy and lawlessness”.
The word of caution came while granting Chandrika Nayak, a 49-year-old widow, anticipatory bail recently. She filed the petition apprehending arrest and harassment from personnel of Bhandaripokhari police station in connection with a land dispute. Advocate Suryakanta Dash argued on her behalf.
Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra said the factual background reveals the local police is harassing the petitioner, which is opposed to the concept of the rule of law.
“It is observed that such type of practice has become rampant in most of the police stations in the state,” Justice Mohapatra said, adding, “It is high time that the higher-ranked police officials should look into such types of allegations and ensure that their house is kept in order; otherwise, the same would lead to anarchy and lawlessness.”
Justice Mohapatra also observed that the alleged conduct of the inspector in-charge of the police station concerned is not in accordance with the law. Although the complaint was lodged long ago, it has not been registered till now. “Moreover, keeping the aforesaid complaint pending, the local police has been conducting itself in a manner as if they are a law unto themselves,” Justice Mohapatra further observed in his Jan 3 order.
“In the aforesaid factual backdrop, this court deems it proper to dispose of the bail application by directing the investigating officer to release the petitioner on anticipatory bail in the event of her arrest in connection with the case the local police is conducting preliminary investigation on station diary entry,” Justice Mohapatra ordered.
In her petition, the widow alleged that a police officer is interested in purchasing the land of which she is a joint owner. Moreover, in the name of inquiry, she is being summoned to the police station and is being subjected to mental torture and harassment. She is allegedly being compelled to execute the sale deed in favour of the police officer.