Supreme Court Condemns Haryana for “Gross Violation” of Article 21, Orders Release of Accused Chained to ICU Bed
The Supreme Court of India has condemned the State of Haryana for a “gross violation” of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which provides the right to life and personal liberty. This condemnation derives from an incident in which the accused was tied and chained to a bed in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while undergoing medical care.
In a harsh indictment of the Haryana Police, the Supreme Court blasted the state on October 21 for “grossly violating” the fundamental right to life and personal liberty guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution. The court was responding to a case in which a man accused of murder was discovered tied and chained to his hospital bed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The court, chaired by Augustine George Masih, expressed shock and anger at the accused’s “barbaric” treatment, calling the act “dehumanizing” and “unacceptable in a civilized society.” The bench highlighted that even the accused is entitled to basic human decency and cannot be treated barbarically. The accused, named Vihaan Kumar, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (MICU) of PGIMS, Rohtak in severe condition following an alleged murder. Despite being under medical supervision, the cops physically chained him to his hospital bed, creating major worries about his health and safety. The court took suo moto notice of the case after a video of the chained accused went viral on social media, eliciting worldwide condemnation.
The court has now ordered the accused’s immediate release from custody and directed the Haryana government to conduct a comprehensive probe of the incident. The government has also been required to give a detailed report on the efforts taken to prevent similar situations from occurring again by October 4, 2024. This incident emphasizes the urgent need for police reform and accountability in India. The Supreme Court’s emphatic censure of the Haryana government’s actions serves as a sharp reminder that all people, regardless of status, need to be treated with respect and dignity, even if they face criminal charges. The court’s decision makes it clear that such obvious abuses of human rights will not be accepted.
The Court further stated that, despite being in legal custody, the accused was entitled to humane treatment and required medical care. The Court ordered the Haryana government to immediately free the accused from their chains and shackles, underlining that such confinement in a hospital setting was completely unwarranted. Furthermore, the Court has directed the State to provide a full report within a week describing the events leading up to this tragedy and the actions taken against those responsible. The Supreme Court’s harsh censure of Haryana’s actions is a clear reminder of the significance of protecting fundamental rights, especially in the context of criminal punishment. This case emphasizes the importance of all states ensuring humane treatment of accused individuals, regardless of their alleged crimes, and guaranteeing their ability to seek competent medical care without undue restraint.
