Does Police Have the Right to Humiliate? Public Outrage After Theft Suspect Paraded with Shoe Garland in Jammu

Jammu- In recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged in India where police parade accused individuals to gain public acclaim, often resembling cinematic "Singham"-style vigilantism. This has raised concerns about the very forces tasked with upholding law and order turning into oppressors. A shocking incident in Jammu and Kashmir has reignited this debate, prompting widespread criticism and a departmental inquiry.

Jammu Police arrested a man accused of theft but, instead of following due process, subjected him to public humiliation. The accused was caught during an unsuccessful robbery attempt, by people inside the Government Medical College (GMC) and handed over to the police. Instead of following standard procedures, the police allegedly slapped him, tied him to the vehicle, and garlanded him with shoes. He was then paraded through different markets, humiliated in public, and later taken to the police station.

The suspect was forced to sit on the bonnet of a police jeep, stripped half-naked, garlanded with shoes, and paraded through Bakshi Nagar with his hands tied behind his back. During the parade, officers used a stick to lift his head and blared sirens, while a loudspeaker announced, “The public is informed that the person on the bonnet is a notorious thief. Identify him well.”

A viral video of the incident shows a large crowd gathered, with some recording and labeling the man a thief. This act has sparked outrage, with many questioning whether the police have the right to humiliate suspects in such a manner.

Following public outcry and the viral video, Jammu’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Joginder Singh, labeled the incident “unprofessional” and ordered a departmental inquiry, led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, City North. The inquiry is expected to conclude within a week, with assurances of strict action against the guilty officers. Deputy Inspector General Shiv Kumar called the act “inhuman” and promised legal consequences.

Is This Permissible Under Law?

Indian law, including Article 21 of the Constitution, guarantees the right to life, dignity, and a fair trial. Publicly shaming an accused, especially before conviction, violates these protections and undermines the judicial process. The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that police cannot act as judges or inflict punishment, as such actions breach legal norms and international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 5).

The Jammu incident may also violate provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, such as Section 131 (criminal force) and Section 351(2) (criminal intimidation). Legal experts have condemned the act as unconstitutional and a gross abuse of power.

The incident is a clear violation of human dignity, amounting to cruel and degrading treatment. Forcing a suspect to parade half-naked with a shoe garland constitutes a severe breach of constitutional and human rights.

Social activists have called it “mob justice masquerading as law enforcement,” arguing that it erodes public trust in the police. Nasir Khuehami, national convener of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, stated, “Such acts of public shaming are not policing but a spectacle that delegitimizes the institution.”

Aditya Gupta, Youth President- Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) condemned the act on social media, " Has the Jammu Kashmir police decided to recommend shuting down the courts. Jammu police now delivering justice on the streets. Tying a suspected thief to a car bonnet and garlanding him with shoes. Is this policing or a public spectacle?”

This is not an isolated case in Jammu. Other reported incidents of police or public shaming, sometimes with police involvement, include:

June 11, 2025, Gangyal Chowk, Jammu: Three men accused of a shooting were publicly beaten by police while being escorted to the station, with officers citing “necessary force” due to threats.

June 2025, Janipur, Jammu: Two youths accused of assault and theft were paraded barefoot by police and locals.

April 12, 2025, Link Road, Jammu: A suspected thief was beaten, partially shaved, and paraded semi-naked by shopkeepers before police custody.

April 9, 2017, Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir: A man was tied to an Army jeep as a human shield, later deemed a war crime, with the victim awarded ₹10 lakh in compensation.