Haryana Human Rights Commission Intervenes: Orders DGP to Reassess Inadequate Penalty in Custodial Violence Case, Demands Systemic Compensation Framework

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has issued a directive to the state's Director General of Police (DGP), mandating a comprehensive re-evaluation of disciplinary action taken against an inspector implicated in a custodial violence incident involving an 18-year-old. The commission has categorically denounced the initial penalty—a 12-month reduction of 2% in the officer's monthly pension—as 'woefully inadequate,' signaling a critical stance on institutional accountability. This intervention underscores a broader imperative for robust oversight mechanisms within law enforcement agencies. Concurrently, the HHRC has formally requested the establishment of a standardized compensation policy for victims of custodial misconduct, aiming to institutionalize redress and deter future violations. The case highlights persistent challenges in aligning punitive measures with the gravity of human rights abuses, prompting scrutiny of procedural frameworks governing police conduct. As authorities reassess the disciplinary proceedings, this development may catalyze policy reforms to enhance transparency and justice in custodial matters, reinforcing the commission's mandate to uphold constitutional safeguards against state excesses.