The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has ordered stringent measures against police personnel found forcing detainees to wear only undergarments in station lockups, deeming the practice a clear violation of fundamental human rights. This directive comes following a report submitted to the commission by the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order). The commission's chairperson, Justice Alexander Thomas, has specifically called for punitive action against officers responsible for this conduct, emphasizing that such treatment infringes upon the dignity of individuals in custody.
The commission's intervention was prompted by a complaint lodged by R G Leninraj, a resident of Thiruvananthapuram. His petition highlighted instances where accused individuals were allegedly stripped down to their undergarments while detained. The Kerala Police Headquarters had previously issued directives against such violations, warning of disciplinary consequences for any officer found contravening these guidelines. The state police chief has now been tasked with ensuring strict adherence to these existing protocols.
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This move by the Human Rights Commission echoes previous calls for accountability within the police force. A report from June 27, 2024, indicated that the Director General of Police acknowledged the need for decisive action beyond mere circulars, stating that complaints against officers were under investigation and strict disciplinary action was being implemented. This suggests a persistent issue of misconduct that necessitates direct intervention and enforcement.
In a related context from September 9, 2025, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam had publicly stated that police officers acting contrary to the state government's policies would face exemplary punishment. Viswam also alluded to senior officers failing to align with governmental directives, indicating broader concerns about adherence to policy and conduct within the police hierarchy. His remarks followed reports of an Additional Director General of Police being removed from his law and order charge due to alleged lapses.
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The overarching narrative points to an ongoing struggle to uphold human rights standards within police custody in Kerala, with regulatory bodies and political figures urging for stricter enforcement and accountability against perceived misconduct.
