NHRC Seeks Report from Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP Over Barnala Lathicharge on Sanitation Workers, Asks for Inquiry, SOP Details and Action Taken
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has stepped into the controversy surrounding the police lathicharge on protesting sanitation workers in Punjab’s Barnala district, directing the state’s top administrative and police officials to explain the circumstances that led to the use of force. The Commission has issued notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), asking them to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.
The NHRC’s intervention comes after it took cognisance of a complaint alleging that Punjab Police used excessive force against sanitation workers, including women, who were holding a peaceful protest. Observing the seriousness of the allegations, the Commission said that, at first glance, the complaint raises concerns about a possible violation of the human rights of the protesters.
The development has once again brought the spotlight on the balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding the democratic right to peaceful protest.
NHRC Takes Serious Note of Alleged Human Rights Violation
The Commission decided to examine the matter after receiving a complaint alleging that police personnel resorted to an unnecessary lathicharge during a demonstration by sanitation workers in Barnala on July 22.
According to the complaint, the protesters had gathered peacefully to press for long-pending employment-related demands. Instead of allowing the demonstration to continue peacefully, it was alleged that police used force to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to several workers.
The NHRC observed that if the allegations are found to be true, they may amount to a violation of the fundamental human rights of the sanitation workers. Keeping this in view, the Commission has sought a comprehensive explanation from the Punjab Government.
Protesters Were Raising Employment-Related Demands
The complaint placed before the Commission stated that the sanitation workers were protesting over several issues linked to their employment and service conditions.
Among their key demands were the regularisation of their services, better wages and stronger job security. The workers reportedly maintained that they had assembled peacefully to highlight these concerns and seek a resolution from the authorities.
It was alleged that despite the non-violent nature of the protest, police personnel carried out a lathicharge, leaving multiple protesters injured. Women participants were also reportedly among those affected during the police action.
These allegations have now become the subject of scrutiny before the country’s apex human rights body.
Chief Secretary and DGP Asked to Explain Police Action
A Bench of the National Human Rights Commission headed by Member Priyank Kanoongo has directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to provide a detailed explanation regarding the incident.
The Commission wants the state authorities to clarify the sequence of events that led to the use of force and whether the police action was justified under the circumstances.
The NHRC has specifically sought information regarding the circumstances in which the lathicharge was ordered and the reasons that prompted the police to use force against the demonstrators.
The Commission has also asked the state government to identify the authority that approved the police action and submit a copy of the written order, if such an authorisation was issued before the lathicharge.
The detailed report has to be submitted within two weeks.
NHRC Seeks Complete Details of Injured Workers
Apart from seeking an explanation about the police action itself, the Commission has asked the Punjab Government to provide comprehensive information regarding all those who were injured during the incident.
The NHRC wants the government to specify the total number of sanitation workers who sustained injuries during the alleged lathicharge.
It has also requested details regarding the nature and severity of the injuries suffered by each victim along with information about their present medical condition.
The Commission further wants to know whether the affected workers have been provided any compensation, financial assistance or other forms of relief by the state government following the incident.
These details will help the Commission assess both the humanitarian and legal aspects of the case.
Information Sought on Inquiry and Legal Action
The NHRC has widened the scope of its inquiry by asking the Punjab Government to disclose whether any official investigation has already been initiated.
The Commission has sought information on whether any First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in connection with the incident.
It has also asked whether any departmental proceedings, departmental inquiry, magisterial inquiry or any independent investigation has been ordered to examine the circumstances surrounding the police action.
The rights body is expected to evaluate these responses before deciding whether additional intervention or recommendations are required.
Commission Questions Compliance with Police SOP
One of the important issues raised by the NHRC concerns adherence to the Standard Operating Procedure governing the use of force during public demonstrations.
The Commission has asked the Punjab Police to clarify whether the prescribed SOP was followed before resorting to the lathicharge.
To verify the sequence of events, the NHRC has directed the state authorities to submit all relevant records connected with the incident.
These include video footage of the protest, police deployment records and documentation relating to the operational decisions taken by officers present at the site.
The Commission’s objective is to determine whether established procedures were followed and whether the level of force used, if any, was proportionate to the situation.
Measures to Prevent Similar Incidents Also Sought
The NHRC has not limited its inquiry to the Barnala incident alone.
It has also asked the Punjab Government to explain what measures are being planned to prevent similar situations in the future while ensuring that both public order and the rights of sanitation workers are adequately protected.
The Commission wants the state administration to outline its strategy for handling peaceful protests in a manner that minimises the possibility of confrontation and safeguards the constitutional rights of citizens.
This aspect of the inquiry reflects the Commission’s broader concern about protecting civil liberties while enabling law enforcement agencies to perform their duties effectively.
Complaint Filed by Congress Leaders
The Commission’s intervention followed 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 National Human Rights Commission to investigate the alleged use of excessive force by the police against sanitation workers and ensure accountability if any violation of human rights is established.
Their representation sought an independent examination of the incident and requested appropriate action against those found responsible, if the allegations are substantiated.
The complaint ultimately prompted the Commission to seek a detailed report from the Punjab Government.
NHRC to Decide Further Course After Receiving Report
With notices now issued, the responsibility shifts to the Punjab Government to place its version of events before the National Human Rights Commission within the stipulated two-week period.
The Action Taken Report is expected to include factual details regarding the police operation, medical information about injured protesters, the legal and administrative steps initiated after the incident and records relating to the use of force.
Once the report is received, the Commission will carefully examine the material placed before it. Based on its findings, the NHRC will determine whether additional proceedings, recommendations or further directions are necessary.
The outcome of the Commission’s scrutiny could have significant implications, not only for the Barnala incident but also for the manner in which public protests are managed and human rights safeguards are implemented during law enforcement operations across the country.
