A Doer's Record

Human Rights: Inder Singh vs State of Punjab

In a case involving abduction and elimination of seven persons by a police party led by a DSP, the Supreme Court ordered the state to pay compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh to each of the victims in a fortnight, the amount to be recovered from the guilty. It also deprecated the conduct of the Punjab police and ordered disciplinary action on erring officials.

Police atrocities: D.K. Basu vs State of W. Bengal

In a case involving custodial death, the apex court issued stringent directions on the procedure to be followed at the time of arrest—including medical examination of the arrestee—with a view to preventing use of third degree methods. It also held that the victim's family was entitled to compensation and that state terrorism was no answer to terrorism.

Rape: State of Punjab vs Gurmeet Singh

In a case involving the rape of a schoolgirl by three men, the apex court held that trial of sexual assault cases should be invariably held in-camera and preferably by lady judges. As far as possible, the name of the victim should not be disclosed. The courts should take a sympathetic view of delay in filing the FIR in such cases and avoid casting a stigma on the character of the victim on the basis of past behaviour.

Dowry death: Kundula Bala Subrahmanyam vs State of Andhra Pradesh

In a case where the mother-in-law and husband were charged with having poured kerosene on the victim and set her afire, the apex court affirmed a sentence of life imprisonment. It said the courts ought to deal with such cases in a more realistic manner and not allow criminals to escape.

Environment: M.C. Mehta vs Union of India

On a PIL, the court issued directions to make environment a compulsory subject in schools, colleges and universities and create awareness through daily programmes by the national broadcaster and enforce exhibition of slides on environment in cinemas.