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Bombay HC Slams Cops for Illegal Animal Feeder Arrest
23 Nov
Summary
- Bombay High Court criticized Gamdevi police for unlawful arrest of an animal feeder.
- The court questioned the reasoning behind the arrest, citing lack of valid cause.
- The judicial magistrate's delay in granting bail was also deemed questionable.
The Bombay High Court recently castigated the Gamdevi police for their "failure to apply their mind" during the arrest of animal feeder Nandini Balekar. The bench found no valid reason for her apprehension. The court also noted its surprise regarding the Girgaon JMFC court's decision to delay Balekar's bail plea, specifically mentioning the filing of a habeas corpus in the High Court as a reason for the hold-up.
Balekar, who regularly fed stray animals, faced objections from some residents. Despite BMC guidelines designating feeding spots, the Gamdevi police arrested her on November 14. The charges under the BNS included assault and causing hurt, with a potential punishment less than seven years, which the HC bench deemed insufficient grounds for immediate arrest and detention.
The HC bench emphasized that the police's stated reason for arrest—to investigate potential accomplices—was illogical as Balekar was the sole accused. The Gamdevi police have been mandated to file an affidavit within two weeks, detailing the justification for the arrest and assigning responsibility. The order will also be shared with the JMFC court.
