New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), directing them to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks over the police lathicharge on protesting sanitation workers in Barnala last week.
Taking cognisance of a complaint alleging excessive use of force, the Commission observed that the allegations, prima facie, indicate a possible violation of the human rights of the protesting workers.
NHRC Questions Use of Force Against Protesters
According to the complaint before the Commission, Punjab Police allegedly resorted to unwarranted force against sanitation workers, including women, who were staging a peaceful protest on July 22.
The protesters were demanding:
- Regularisation of their services
- Better wages
- Job security
The complaint alleged that despite the peaceful nature of the demonstration, police carried out a lathicharge, resulting in injuries to several workers.
Read also: NHRC Orders Delhi Police To Explain Use Of Force During July 20 Jantar Mantar Protest
Commission Seeks Explanation from Chief Secretary and DGP
A Bench headed by NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to explain the circumstances that led to the police action.
The Commission has specifically sought details on:
- The circumstances under which the lathicharge was ordered.
- The reasons for using force against the protesters.
- The authority that approved the police action.
- A copy of the written order, if any, authorising the use of force.
The NHRC has asked the state authorities to furnish the report within two weeks.
Details of Injured Workers and Compensation Sought
The rights panel has also directed the Punjab Government to provide comprehensive information regarding the victims of the incident.
It has sought details of:
- The number of sanitation workers injured.
- The nature and extent of their injuries.
- Their present medical condition.
- Compensation or relief provided to the affected workers.
The Commission also asked whether any FIRs, departmental proceedings, magisterial inquiry, departmental inquiry or independent investigation have been initiated following the incident.
NHRC Seeks SOP Compliance, Video Footage
The Commission has further questioned whether Punjab Police followed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)governing the use of force during public protests.
It has sought all relevant records, including:
- Video footage of the incident.
- Police deployment logs.
- Documentation relating to operational decisions taken during the protest.
Additionally, the NHRC has asked the state government to outline the measures being taken to prevent such incidents in the future while ensuring the protection of sanitation workers’ rights alongside maintenance of public order.
Congress Leaders Had Approached NHRC
The Commission’s intervention follows a complaint submitted on July 27 by Punjab Congress President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, along with Members of Parliament Amar Singh, Dharamvira Gandhi, and Gurjit Singh Aujla.
The complainants urged the NHRC to investigate the alleged use of excessive force against sanitation workers and ensure accountability for any violation of human rights.
The Commission will examine the Punjab Government’s response after receiving the Action Taken Report and decide on further proceedings.
