SC pulls up UP govt for delay in SOPs

{ MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS IN CUSTODY } SEEKS DETAILS ON RECORD BY DEC 31

- Utkarsh Anand

The Supreme Court on Monday pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government for its failure to formulate a standard operating procedure (SOP) on mandatory medical examination of persons detained at police stations before their release, directing the state to place one on record by December 31.

Expressing displeasure over the continued delay, a bench of justices KV Viswanathan and SVN Bhatti termed it "disappointing" that Uttar Pradesh has still not complied despite repeated assurances over the past year. The direction came while hearing the state's challenge to an Allahabad High Court order requiring the director general of Police (DGP) to issue instructions mandating medical examinations of all persons called for inquiry at the time they exit police custody -- a measure aimed at preventing custodial violence.