The Delhi Police's Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC) has issued a strict 'zero tolerance' directive against any physical or mental ill-treatment of juveniles in custody. This follows alarming reports of misconduct and attempts to evade CCTV surveillance.

  • Strict ban on any physical or psychological torture of juveniles in custody.
  • Prohibition of interrogations at unauthorized locations to avoid CCTV monitoring.
  • Mandatory impartial investigations by independent senior officers.
  • Regular sensitization and training programs for Child Welfare Police Officers.

New Delhi: In a decisive move to protect the rights of children in conflict with the law, the Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC) of the Delhi Police has issued a city-wide directive mandating 'zero tolerance' towards the torture or ill-treatment of juveniles. The order, issued by Nabam Gungte, Joint Commissioner of Police (SPUWAC), applies to all district units, including Railway and Metro police.

Concerns Raised by the Juvenile Justice Board

The directive follows serious concerns flagged by the Juvenile Justice Board-VII (JJB-VII). The Board highlighted instances where juveniles were allegedly being taken outside police stations to evade CCTV coverage, making them vulnerable to abuse. Furthermore, the Board noted a disturbing trend where allegations of custodial violence were being investigated by the very officers accused of the misconduct—a practice the SPUWAC has now termed "unacceptable."

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this directive is a critical intervention to restore public trust in the legal system. By mandating that investigations into misconduct be handled by independent senior officers, the police are addressing a fundamental flaw in institutional accountability. This move aims to prevent the systemic shielding of errant officers.

Custodial violence against minors is a grave violation of international human rights standards and undermines the rehabilitative purpose of the juvenile justice system.

Historical Context of Misconduct

The current directive comes in the wake of several high-profile incidents in Delhi. In May, a video surfaced showing a teenager being manhandled at the Sarai Rohilla police station. Additionally, the death of a 17-year-old boy in June 2025 following an alleged assault in a government-run juvenile home in Majnu ka Tila prompted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take suo motu cognizance of the matter.

Strict Compliance and Statutory Rules

The order emphasizes that all officers must strictly adhere to statutory provisions regarding the apprehension and interrogation of children. Juveniles must not be taken to unauthorized locations, police booths, or any area outside prescribed premises. Under the Delhi Juvenile Justice Rules, any officer found guilty of torturing a child faces dismissal from service and criminal prosecution.

Did You Know?: The Special Juvenile Police Unit is legally mandated to oversee the handling of minors to ensure their rights are upheld during legal proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can police interrogate a minor at a location without CCTV?
No. The directive explicitly forbids taking juveniles to unauthorized locations where CCTV surveillance can be avoided.

2. Who investigates allegations of police brutality against a minor?
Allegations must be investigated promptly and impartially by a senior officer who is independent of the accused personnel.