Ludhiana doctor on oxygen support after police summons; human rights commission investigates
Family Struggles Through Night for Oxygen Bed as Elderly Man Dies
Ludhiana: An 85-year-old doctor from Ludhiana is reportedly on continuous oxygen support after being compelled to appear at a police station for questioning, despite the legal protections given to elderly individuals and women.
The Punjab State and Chandigarh Human Rights Commission have initiated an inquiry into allegations that city police violated Supreme Court guidelines while summoning the elderly doctor and her unwell husband.
According to a report by The Times of India, the action was taken after her son filed a complaint, alleging that officials at a local police station and an associated outpost issued defective legal notices and exerted undue pressure on the family. He said that the five family members were booked for allegedly obstructing an income tax raid at their properties in case from December 2024.
The complaint further stated that the notices were issued under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), but allegedly contained errors such as incorrect dates and addresses. It further argued that the action went against the Supreme Court’s ruling in Satender Kumar Antil versus the Central Bureau of Investigation, which was intended to prevent arbitrary use of police powers. The complaint also added that the offences cited were non-cognisable, hence broader police powers could not be exercised without a warrant.
He further added that despite the protections provided under Section 179 of the BNSS, which exempts elderly persons and women from being forced to appear at police stations, she was allegedly required to present herself in person. Following the visit, her condition reportedly worsened significantly, and she is now on continuous oxygen support. Her son has claimed that the deterioration occurred after the police action.
Following the seriousness of the allegations, the Human Rights Commission has directed the Ludhiana police commissioner to examine the conduct of the officers involved and ensure appropriate action if any violations are found. The matter remains under inquiry.
