The Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur has warned that it will summon the Director General of Police (DGFT), Rajasthan, if the steps taken by the State authorities against an erring police officer in a custodial torture case are found to be unsatisfactory, underscoring its serious concern over rising incidents of custodial violence.
The bench of Justice Farjand Ali expressed deep concern over the alleged conduct of the police officer involved, describing the act as “diabolical” and akin to behavior in a “beast-like fashion.” The Court made it clear that it intends to closely monitor the progress of the inquiry and the action taken against the officer concerned.
The matter arose in a criminal writ petition where the petitioner alleged custodial torture of her brother.
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The Court granted a short accommodation to the State to complete the inquiry and directed that the matter be listed again on April 24, 2026, specifically to review the progress of the investigation into the custodial torture allegations. The Court also referred to its earlier observations recorded on February 19, 2026, where detailed facts of the alleged incident had already been noted.
Expressing broader concern, the High Court observed that incidents of custodial torture have become “rampant” in recent times, often resulting in serious injuries and, in some cases, even deaths within jail premises. The Court indicated that it would also examine what systemic measures have been taken by the State Police to curb such incidents and prevent recurrence.
Custodial torture is not just an offence against an individual, but a direct assault on society and the rule of law.
On the evidentiary front, the Court took on record key materials, including the victim’s statement recorded before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Udaipur, and the medicolegal report prepared by a duly constituted medical board of RNT Medical College, Udaipur, detailing the injuries sustained by the victim.
Importantly, the Court issued a stern warning to the State authorities, stating that if the steps taken are found to be unsatisfactory, it may summon the Director General of Police, Rajasthan, to personally appear before the Court and file an affidavit explaining the failure to take action against the erring officer.
The case is now scheduled for further hearing on April 24, 2026, where the Court is expected to scrutinize both the progress of the inquiry and the accountability of the police authorities in addressing the serious allegations of custodial torture.
Case Details
Case Title: Noreen Bano Versus State Of Rajasthan
Case No.: S.B. Criminal Writ Petition No. 579/2026
Date: 15/04/2026
Counsel For Petitioner: Harshit Yadav and Kusha Sharma
Counsel For Respondent: N.S. Chandawat, Dy. GA
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