The Gujarat High Court has sought a complete timeline of the arrest, detention and release of a 16-17-year-old after a contempt petition alleged illegal custody, custodial violence and the public parading of the minor in connection with an alcohol case.
The petition challenges the alleged public beating and procession of accused persons by police, practices that the petitioners said are prohibited by Supreme Court directions. The matter raises questions about compliance with court-mandated safeguards during arrest and detention.
According to the petition, the minor was arrested on June 21 in an alcohol-related case and allegedly kept in police custody for three days. The minor’s father has alleged that his son was subjected to severe physical abuse while in custody. The petitioners also claimed that marks consistent with injuries from a sharp object or wounds were found on different parts of the minor’s body.
The petitioner’s side argued that the minor had been detained three times under Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and that the detention exceeded the legal limit. The petition also alleged that the minor was publicly paraded, which it described as a violation of Supreme Court guidelines governing the treatment of accused persons.
Police officials, according to the report, argued that the minor had been granted bail and questioned the allegation that he had been beaten. The police also apologised before the High Court after the petition was filed. The petitioner, however, questioned whether a subsequent apology could prevent similar incidents from recurring.
During the hearing, the High Court sought details about when the minor was arrested and how long he remained in custody. The court has directed the police authorities to submit all details from the beginning of the incident until the accused was released, including a complete chronology of events.
The case places the conduct of police personnel during preventive detention under judicial scrutiny. It also highlights the importance of accurate arrest records, custody documentation and timely production before a court, particularly when the person detained is a minor. The allegations remain subject to the court’s examination.
The Gujarat High Court is scheduled to hear the matter again on Thursday, when the police are expected to present the requested timeline and other details concerning the detention and release of the minor.
