Gujarat Police Continue Public Parades of Suspects, Sparking Human Rights Concerns
Despite repeated reprimands by the courts, the Gujarat Police have continued the controversial practice of parading suspects in public. The practice, which involves displaying individuals who are arrested for various crimes in front of media cameras and the public, has raised significant concerns about human rights and the presumption of innocence. Critics argue that such actions violate the constitutional rights of suspects, who are entitled to a fair trial and the assumption of innocence until proven guilty.
The most recent incident occurred in December 2024, when a group of suspects were paraded in public in a high-profile case. While police officials justify the practice as a deterrent against crime and a way to build public trust, legal experts and human rights organizations have condemned it as an infringement on individual rights. The parades have also been criticized for being a form of public humiliation, which can have lasting psychological and social consequences for the individuals involved.
In response to the criticism, Gujarat police authorities have defended the practice, stating that it is part of their ongoing efforts to maintain public order and demonstrate accountability in the criminal justice process. However, this justification has done little to quell the growing concerns of activists who view the practice as an outdated and harmful method of policing.
Legal experts have pointed out that such parades go against the principles of the Indian Constitution, particularly the right to a fair trial and protection against cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. While the courts have issued several reprimands to the police, ordering them to cease the public display of suspects, the practice persists in certain areas of Gujarat.
This issue has sparked debates over the role of media in broadcasting such parades, as well as the broader need for police reform to ensure that individuals’ rights are upheld in the criminal justice system. As the public outcry grows, the Gujarat Police may face increasing pressure to change their approach to law enforcement and adopt more humane methods of handling suspects.