The Rajasthan High Court has taken serious note of grave allegations of custodial torture where a Detenue was ‘Assaulted and Forced to Drink Urine’ in a criminal writ petition filed by Noreen Bano, directing an independent investigation, constitution of a medical board, and preservation of CCTV footage in connection with FIR registered at Salumber Police Station.
The bench of Justice Farjand Ali has observed that the sanctity of a judicial order lies not merely in its pronouncement but in the fairness and transparency of the process adopted. The Court emphasized that allegations of such nature, if proven true, strike at the core of constitutional guarantees and the dignity of an individual in custody.
The petitioner alleged that her 18-year-old brother was subjected to “beast-like torture” while in police custody. Serious accusations were levelled against Inspector Hemant Chouhan, the investigating officer, including claims that the detenue was brutally assaulted and forced to consume urine.
Mr. Harshit Yadav along with Ms. Kusha Sharma, the counsels on behalf of the petitioner argued that the Medical Officer at the local hospital acted in collusion with the investigating officer and prepared a false medical examination report showing “nil injuries,” despite visible bodily injuries on the accused.
When the accused was produced before the Judicial Magistrate along with the purported clean medical report, he reportedly displayed fresh injuries to highlight the alleged falsity of the report. Although the Magistrate directed a further medical examination, the same Medical Officer was assigned the task, raising concerns of bias.
Court Flags Collusion and Stresses Fair Process
Observing that specific allegations of connivance had been made against both the Investigating Officer and the Medical Officer, the Court underscored that judicial propriety demands entrustment of further proceedings to independent authorities in such circumstances.
The Court issued a series of stringent directions.
Firstly, the Superintendent of Police, Salumber, was directed to personally examine the matter and transfer the investigation to an officer not below the rank of RPS.
Secondly, the statement of the detenue is to be recorded by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Udaipur, within 12 hours, ensuring it is made free from any coercion or undue influence.
Thirdly, inspector Hemant Chouhan has been ordered to be kept away from any further proceedings related to the case to prevent interference.
Fourthly, the accused is to be immediately referred to R.N.T. Medical College & Hospital, where a Medical Board comprising three senior doctors will conduct a comprehensive examination. The Board has been directed to detail the size, type, nature, and probable cause of any injuries and submit its report within three days.
Fifthly, the CCTV footage of the relevant period from the police station and nearby areas is to be preserved and secured for detailed analysis.
Lastly, senior police authorities, including the Inspector General of Police, Udaipur Range, have been directed to ensure immediate and effective compliance with the Court’s order.
Case Details
Case Title: Noreen Bano Versus State of Rajasthan
Citation: JURISHOUR-31-HC-2026(Raj)
Case No.: S.B. Criminal Writ Petition No. 579/2026
Date: 19/02/2026
Counsel For Petitioner: Advocates Harshit Yadav and Kusha Sharma
Counsel For Respondent: Deepak Choudhary, GA-cum-AAG
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