Vijay Pal Yadav vs Mamta Singh - Police - Dignity Of Accused

Constitution of India - Article 21 - Dignity - Even if a person may be a ‘criminal’, the law requires that he be treated in accordance therewith. Even a ‘criminal’, under the law of our land, enjoys certain safeguards in order to ensure protection of his person and dignity -In this case, the petitioner, when picked up by the police, was at best an accused- A common man can be expected to exceed his limits (whereafter appropriate action in law shall ensue), but not the police. [Context: Petitioner alleged that he was subjected to physical abuse, both at the spot as well as later in the Police Station]

Police - The police is a very vital part of the State apparatus and has a direct bearing on the safety and security of the society at large and individuals in particular. The need, therefore, for maintaining the confidence of individuals and society-at-large in the police is paramount - the concerned police officers are cautioned and warned to be careful in future. The Director General is also directed to ensure that such type of occurrences do not recur and there should be zero-tolerance on behalf of the senior officer(s) with regard to any alleged transgression of authority by any subordinate officer(s).