Can I appeal a human rights commission decision in Bombay High Court?

The Bombay High Court may entertain appeals against human rights commission decisions if there's a clear illegality, though their scope of interference is limited.

What happened at the drug rehabilitation center in Thane?

A mother alleged her son was sexually assaulted at a Thane district drug rehabilitation center, but her complaint was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

What recourse does a complainant have if their human rights case is dismissed?

If a complaint is dismissed, individuals may still have the option to file a private complaint before a magistrate.

Home / Crime and Justice / Court Rejects Rehab Assault Appeal

Court Rejects Rehab Assault Appeal

1 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Bombay HC denied a mother's plea regarding a drug rehab center assault.
Court cited insufficient evidence and a psychiatrist's report.
The mother can still file a private complaint with a magistrate.

The Bombay High Court has declined to entertain a petition filed by a mother challenging the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission's dismissal of her complaint concerning her son's alleged sexual assault at a drug rehabilitation center in Thane district. The incident reportedly occurred in August 2013, with the mother lodging a formal complaint after her son displayed distress upon returning home.

The court noted that the State Human Rights Commission had based its decision on a report from the sub-divisional police officer. This report included witness statements suggesting the son was mentally unstable and hallucinating, rather than physically assaulted. A psychiatrist's evaluation corroborated this, pointing to psychosis due to excessive drinking.