Custodial Torture Row Reaches Apex Court: Gujarat Police Under Judicial Scanner
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Delhi, September,12,2025- A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court alleging custodial torture and sexual assault of a minor boy by Gujarat police, demanding an independent investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The petition was mentioned before Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran by advocate Rohin Bhatt, who sought urgent intervention in the matter.
“Through this petition, the Petitioner, inter-alia, seeks the constitution of a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) or, in the alternative, an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of this Hon’ble Court. Additionally, the Petitioner seeks counselling services and compensation for her brother, who was subjected to brutal torture in police custody by officers of Botad Town Police Station.”
The plea highlights the critical condition of the minor, who is currently admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and requests the constitution of a medical board comprising doctors from AIIMS to conduct a comprehensive examination. It also draws attention to procedural lapses, noting that the boy was not produced before the Juvenile Justice Board or any magistrate within the mandatory 24 hours of his arrest.
Additionally, the petition calls for a toxicology test to assess the minor’s physical condition and detailed medical evaluation. The case was listed for a hearing on 15 September.
“The Petitioner’s uncle requested a toxicology report to determine the precise cause of the Petitioner’s minor brother’s condition. However, the doctors at Zydus Hospital have refused to provide any report whatsoever to the family. The Petitioner’s brother is currently undergoing dialysis due to kidney damage resulting from the brutal assault sustained in custody. He also suffered from a temporary loss of eyesight and a seizure resulting in bowel incontinence. At the time of filing this Petition, the Petitioner’s brother is in the Intensive Care Unit
(ICU) of Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad. The uncle of the Petitioner remains with her minor brother at Zydus Hospital and continues to look after his medical care.”
An NGO named Minority Coordination Committee has also submitted a representation to the Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP), urging strict action and immediate inquiry into the allegations of custodial abuse.
The petition was drafted by Advocates Rohin Bhatt and Panistha Bhatt, and Filed through Advocate-on-Record Paras Nath Singh
The Supreme Court’s urgent attention to the matter underscores growing concerns over custodial rights and protection of minors in police custody. The investigation’s outcome is expected to set important precedents in safeguarding child rights and ensuring accountability within law enforcement agencies.
