A Socio-Legal Study Of Custodial Deaths And Police Violence In The State Of Gujarat: An Evaluation Of Constitutional Safeguards, Human Rights Protection And Police Accountability
- IJLLR Journal
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
Dr. Surendra Meena, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Madhav University, Pindwara, Sirohi, Rajasthan, India.
Nachiketa Kodekar, Research Scholar, Faculty of Law, Madhav University, Pindwara, Sirohi, Rajasthan, India.
ABSTRACT
Custodial deaths and police violence remain among the most serious human rights concerns in India despite constitutional guarantees and statutory safeguards intended to protect the life and liberty of every individual. The issue raises fundamental questions regarding the balance between effective law enforcement and the protection of human dignity. Gujarat, as one of India's economically progressive States has witnessed significant developments in policing, criminal justice administration and judicial oversight. Nevertheless, incidents of custodial violence and deaths continue to attract public concern, judicial intervention and scrutiny from national and international human rights bodies. Such incidents undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system and highlight the continuing need for greater accountability, transparency and institutional reform.
This research paper examines the socio-legal dimensions of custodial deaths and police violence in Gujarat by analyzing constitutional provisions, statutory safeguards, judicial precedents, human rights principles and institutional mechanisms established for police accountability. It explores the underlying social, administrative and legal factors that contribute to custodial violence while assessing the effectiveness of existing preventive measures. The study also evaluates the role played by the judiciary, the National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commissions, forensic investigations and independent monitoring agencies in addressing custodial abuse. The paper adopts a doctrinal and socio-legal methodology by examining constitutional provisions, legislation, judicial decisions, official reports and academic literature. It further considers recent developments under India's new criminal laws and contemporary policing practices. The study argues that preventing custodial deaths requires not only legal reforms but also institutional accountability, ethical policing, technological monitoring, professional training and greater respect for human rights. It concludes that strengthening constitutional governance, ensuring transparency in criminal investigations and promoting police professionalism are essential for protecting the right to life and preserving public confidence in the rule of law.
Keywords: Custodial Deaths, Police Violence, Human Rights, Constitutional Safeguards, Police Accountability.
