Supreme Court orders police not to routinely handcuff people arrested for investigation
Summary
The Supreme Court has ordered Nepal Police not to routinely handcuff people arrested for investigation, saying restraints may be used only when there is an objectively assessed risk of escape, resistance or harm. The ruling came after a writ petition challenged the unlawful use of handcuffs and said police must record reasons whenever they are used.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court directed Nepal Police to stop routinely handcuffing people arrested for investigation.
- Handcuffs may be used only when police objectively assess a risk of escape, violent resistance or harm to self or others.
- The order came after a writ petition by Bibek Chaudhary, Roshan Auji and Bikash Yadav challenged the practice.
- Former NHRC member and advocate Mohna Ansari said the ruling could change how police treat people in custody and protect dignity rights.
