Introduction
The Bombay High Court has taken a strong stance against the Pune police, directing the Superintendent of Police (Rural) to explain a false statement made by a head constable in court. The issue arose during a hearing of a plea filed by AIMIM members regarding a procession they conducted.
Background
Seventeen members of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) filed a plea against a case registered at the Baramati police station. The case was related to a procession held on November 11, 2023, in memory of Tipu Sultan and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. The petitioners, represented by advocates Tapan Thatte and Vivek Arote, argued that they had initially sought permission for the procession, which was later arbitrarily denied due to opposition from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal.
Key Points
- Petitioners: 17 AIMIM members, including Faiyaz Elahi Shaikh
- Incident Date: November 11, 2023
- Location: Baramati, Pune
- Opposition Groups: Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal
- Police Action: Baramati police claimed the procession was held without permission, playing objectionable songs and causing communal issues.
- Petitioners’ Argument: The denial of permission was arbitrary and influenced by political groups, and the police acted unfairly.
Legal Provisions
| Section | Description |
| Contempt of Courts Act | Allows courts to punish acts that disrespect or obstruct the administration of justice. |
| Article 215 of the Constitution | Empowers High Courts to punish for contempt of themselves. |
| Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) | Requires government sanction to prosecute individuals under certain sections of the Indian Penal Code. |
Impact
The Pune police are under legal scrutiny for potentially misleading the court. If a satisfactory explanation is not provided, the head constable involved may face contempt proceedings.
Conclusion
The court has scheduled further hearings for June 25, where it will evaluate the explanation provided by the Pune police and decide on the need for contempt proceedings against the head constable.
SOURCE – INDIA TODAY
READ MORE – PLEA FOR RELEASE OF MINOR IN PUNE PORSCHE ACCIDENT CASE
