Lucknow: A letter petition has been filed by activist Saket Gokhale before the Allahabad High Court seeking injunction on the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to conduct a narco-analysis test of the victim's family in the Hathras Gang Rape case.
The petitioner argues that the decision is not only unlawful but also is an attempt to coerce the family from testifying before the Court on 12th October, 2020, in the suo moto case registered by the High Court.
"Subjecting the family of the victim to a narco-analysis test goes against all principles of natural justice as they are neither accused in the case nor have been charged with any offence. Using an interrogation technique on the victim's family is a blatant form of coercion," Gokhale wrote.
On Thursdya, the Lucknow Bench of the High Court took suo moto cognizance of the highhandedness displayed by the State administration in the case.
The court had summoned all the concerned authorities, alongside the victim's family, to present their versions of the fateful incident, on October 12 and events ensued the death of the victim.
The petitioner argued that the decision to conduct the family's narco-analysis test is "an interference by the UP-State Administration with the proceedings of this Honorable Court by ordering a narcoanalysis test on the victim's family"
On Friday, the UP government had announced the suspension and transfer of some police personnel posted in Hathras.
Saket Gokhale apprehends that the suspension is an eyewash and a ploy to shield the officers from the course of law.
Here's why SP Hathras has been suspended (& maybe DM will be too):
— Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) October 2, 2020
Y'day Allahabad HC had ordered SP & DM Hathras to be present in court on 12th.
Not by name but by designation.
The new officials taking charge will now appear in court.
The suspended ones are being shielded.