HC pulls up Delhi police in Massey case

NEW DELHI, May 22: The Delhi High Court today pulled up the city police for inadequate investigations in the Massey manhandling case while ...

NEW DELHI, May 22: The Delhi High Court today pulled up the city police for inadequate investigations in the Massey manhandling case while amicus curiae P N Lekhi charged the police with “fabricating” evidence and resorting to brutal methods in dealing with the common man.

Arguing the case on behalf of the Delhi police, additional solicitor general A M Singhvi urged the court to hand over the case to the CBI. “A CBI inquiry would be a conclusive way of establishing the truth,” he said.

Lekhi, appointed amicus curiae (friend of the court), also suggested to the court that the case be handed over to an independent, impartial investigating agency with directions to fix responsibility for establishing fabrication of evidence.

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Severely criticising the police for manhandling Martin Massey who had strayed on to Prime Minister’s route on May 9, Lekhi said, “This was an example of how police could become a standing danger to a citizen in the country’s Capital city.”

Quoting Article 19 of the Constitution which ensures freedom of movement, Lekhi said there was no provision in the Constitution for stopping the movement of people on the route taken by the Prime Minister. “Where is the law which says you stop till the Prime Minister has left?” he demanded.

The case will be taken up on Friday.