The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission has instructed the state government to compensate five animal activists with Rs 2 lakh each for the “blatant violation of their human rights.” The activists were allegedly assaulted in a police lockup in Nanded in February of the current year. The commission, which took suo motu cognizance of the case, held that the victims’ right to live with dignity and honor had been “blatantly breached” due to the illegal actions of the police officer involved. The commission emphasized that such actions, which were inhumane and unjustifiable, entitled the victims to compensation for their humiliation and turmoil.
In its order, the commission directed the Maharashtra government’s additional chief secretary to comply with the compensation order within a month. Furthermore, the additional chief secretary was tasked with instructing the state director general of police to establish guidelines addressing police brutality and the abuse of powers. Despite the filing of an FIR and the initiation of a departmental inquiry against the errant police officer, the commission asserted that a case under the Protection of Human Rights Act was warranted.
In a related case from 2022, the commission directed the Nandurbar district superintendent of police to pay Rs 21,000 in compensation to a social worker who faced a false case after raising complaints about the illegal smuggling of leather. Animal rights activists welcomed both orders, emphasizing their potential to raise awareness and provide justice to animal caretakers, vigilant citizens, and voiceless animals.
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