NHRC to conduct surprise checks at police lock-ups

The officials would check, among other things, whether the policemen on duty has entered the name and address of the person, the date on which he was detained in the lock-up and when he was arrested.

"Entries must be made in a diary to show the time of arrest and release. We would also check whether the police has found out from the accused if he wanted someone to be informed about his arrest and an entry to this effect has to be made," said Sen.

As per the directives issued by the Supreme Court a person in a lock-up has to undergo a medical examination by a regular medical practitioner, and NHRC officials would check on this.

The state of sanitation and hygiene at the lock-ups would also come under close scrutiny. Note would be taken of whether the accused is getting food of a reasonable standard and if basic needs like a blanket during winter months are being met with.

They will check on persons being kept in the lock-ups without being arrested, besides noting the behaviour of officials in the police station – whether they are drunk at work or sober.

"Our officials of the rank of SP or DSP, would intimate the duty officer of a particular station a few minutes in advance of their arrival and in some cases just land up at the stations," said Sen.

NHRC men would just observe the situation at the thana and prepare a note after reaching office. "We would thereafter be discussing the issues with the Police Commissioner of Delhi who would take the required action," said Sen.

The states and union territories which have given approval to NHRC checks are:
Delhi, Chandigarh, Lakshwadweep, Pondicherry, Goa, Bihar, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and West Bengal.