It would be a case of gross violation of basic human and fundamental rights: Allahabad HC takes suo motu cognizance of Hathras gang rape

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident that took place with a dalit girl in Hathras.

On Thursday, the court summoned the Additional Chief Secretary, DGP, ADG Law and Order and District Magistrate and SP of Hathras on October 12 and sought clarification from them. The court has also sought a response from the state government on the barbaric, cruel and inhuman treatment of the Hathras police with the victim.

The bench of Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Jaspreet Singh passed the order and remarked that the incident shock the soul. The court said that if it is not satisfied, it may be considered to investigate the whole matter with another agency.

The High Court said that Hathras’ alleged treatment by the police and administration after the victim’s death on September 29 is very painful. This is an open violation of Article 25 of the Constitution. The family has the constitutional right to perform the last rites of the deceased according to their religion and customs. The court has also called the victim’s family on the next date and has also called for progress report of the investigation.

The High Court has said that,

“…it would be a case of gross violation of basic human and fundamental rights enshrined under Article 21 and Article 25 of the Constitution of India in a most blatant and uncalled for manner something which is absolutely unacceptable in our country governed by Rule of Law and the Constitution…”

The High Court has asked various newspapers and news channels to file any material they have in the pen drive or CD in connection with the incident. The court said that they will see if the government machinery has committed this atrocity with the victim due to poverty or social status.

By Priya Kumari