In a decisive move, the Orissa High Court has issued an order prohibiting the media from revealing the names or any identifying details of the victims involved in a recent custodial assault case. The incident, involving an army officer and his fiancée at a Bhubaneswar police station, prompted the court to take suo motu cognizance due to the gravity of the allegations and the ensuing public outcry.
The Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Chakradhari Saran Singh, expressed profound shock and concern over the events that reportedly occurred on the night of September 15. The victims, who had visited the police station to file a complaint, allegedly left with injuries and were implicated in an attempt to murder case.
While appreciating the initial steps taken by the state government, the court criticized the lack of CCTV surveillance in all 650 police stations across the state, a shortfall that it deemed unacceptable in ensuring transparency and accountability within law enforcement facilities. Chief Justice Singh has ordered a senior police official to submit a comprehensive report on the installation of CCTV systems by October 8.
Further, the court has directed the state government to provide detailed plans on measures to protect the dignity and identity of individuals making complaints at police stations in the future.
Advocate General Pitambar Acharya updated the court on the state’s responsive measures, including the appointment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice CR Dash, a former judge of the high court. Additionally, the state acted swiftly by suspending five police officers involved in the alleged misconduct and arresting seven individuals accused of harassing the complainant couple prior to the police station incident.
