However, according to Gokhle’s petition, the proposed narco analysis test is a means to coerce the family and intimidate them against deposing before the Court.
In a letter petition against the proposed narco analysis test to be conducted on the family of the victim of the horrific Hathras incident, activist Saket Gokhle has moved the Allahabad High Court.
It is to be noted that a bench of Allahabad High Court has taken suo-motu cognizance of the shocking incident, particularly the action of the UP Police to cremate the victim’s remains in the dead of the night allegedly without the consent or presence of the victim’s family. The petition filed by Gokhle comes shortly after the court intervened.
October 12 is the planned date of hearing in this case when the family of the victim is expected to be present before the Court to depose.
While the court passed the order on October 1, the executive has planned to conduct the narco analysis test and announced it in a press statement on October 2.
However, according to Gokhle’s petition, the proposed narco analysis test is a means to coerce the family and intimidate them against deposing before the Court. He, therefore, prays for an immediate stay on the narco analysis test planned by the UP authorities at least till the family’s statements are made before the Court as scheduled for October 12.
Gokhle says the coercion is in violation of the orders of the Court.
“Subjecting the family of the victim to a narco-analysis test goes against all principles of natural justice as they’re neither accused in the case nor have been charged with any offence. Using an interrogation technique on the victim’s family is a blatant form of coercion,” Gokhle says in his letter petition.
Therefore, Gokhle also demands in his petition that the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police of Hathras be transferred or sent on leave in the meantime till the completion of the suo motu matter before the Court.
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