Police Rope-Tying Practice comes under scrutiny as the Calcutta High Court seeks a report from the West Bengal government on allegations of police parading arrested individuals with ropes around their waists, citing concerns over dignity and legal rights.
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | June 5, 2026
During a hearing on Friday, a Division Bench comprising Justice Joy Sengupta and Justice Smita Das De reviewed several public interest litigations challenging the practice of police officers allegedly tying ropes around the waists of accused persons and taking them through public areas after arrest. The petitions argued that such actions violate the dignity and fundamental rights of individuals who have not yet been proven guilty in a court of law.
Addressing the issue, the court observed that while law enforcement authorities are fully empowered to arrest suspects and take legal action against them, they cannot deliberately subject individuals to public humiliation. The bench emphasized that an accused person remains entitled to dignity and legal protections until guilt is established through due process. In this context, the Police Rope-Tying Practice became a central point of concern, with judges seeking clarification on the circumstances under which such measures are considered necessary.
Representatives of the state government informed the court that many of the arrested persons involved in recent cases were accused of extortion-related offences. According to the state’s submission, these individuals were often taken to crime scenes for reconstruction of events as part of ongoing investigations. However, the court questioned whether the use of ropes was justified in every case and asked whether there were genuine concerns regarding the possibility of escape.
The judges further stated that if law enforcement agencies believe there is a risk of an accused person fleeing custody, they must adopt appropriate and legally permissible security measures. At the same time, police personnel must ensure that such precautions do not compromise the individual’s dignity or result in unnecessary public embarrassment.
The issue has gained attention across West Bengal since the change in government, with multiple reports emerging from different districts alleging that arrested individuals were being escorted through neighborhoods with ropes tied around their waists. These incidents prompted several public interest petitions, leading to the present judicial review.
Taking note of the concerns raised, the Division Bench instructed the state government to issue necessary advisories to police officials and ensure that established legal standards are followed during arrests and investigations. The court has directed the state to submit a written report within three weeks detailing the reasons for the practice and the guidelines governing its use.
The matter is scheduled to return before the High Court after four weeks, when the judges will review the state’s response and consider whether further directions are required to safeguard the rights and dignity of accused persons during police procedures.
