NEWS: Hathras gang-rape: Activist seeks, stay from Allahabad HC on narco analysis test on victim’s family

By Legal Wires 3 Minutes Read

Activist Saket Gokhale has moved to Allahabad High Court against the proposed narco analysis test, to be conducted on family of victim of the Harthras incident.

After the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court took suo moto cognizance of the incident, particularly the action of the UP Police for cremating the victim’s body at night without the consent or presence of the victim’s family.

While the High Court’s order was passed on 1^st October, the Executive’s plan to conduct the narco analysis test was declared on 2^nd October in a press release.

The date of hearing in the case is fixed on 12^th October when the family of the victim is expected to be present before the Court.

The Activist pray before the court for an immediate stay on the narco analysis test as planned by the UP authorities or at least stay on the test till the victim’s family statements are made before the Court as on 12^th October. The test is a mean to coerce and intimidate the family against deposing before the Court.

Activist says, 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.”

He also contends that till the completion of suo moto matter before the Court. The District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police of Hathras shall be transferred or sent on leave.