Guwahati: Assam government on Tuesday failed to provide additional details sought by the Supreme Court regarding its investigation into alleged fake encounters in the state.
The Supreme Court was hearing a special leave petition filed against the Gauhati High Court judgment on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning these alleged encounters.
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Assam government’s counsel, Additional Solicitor General Nalin Kohli, requested an additional three months to file the details sought by the Supreme Court.
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan granted the Assam government time until September 10, 2024, to file the additional information. The court will hear the matter again on that date.
On April 30, during the last hearing, the Supreme Court sought clarification from the Assam government on several aspects of the investigation.
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The court asked the State government to explain the safeguards and mechanisms in place for a fair investigation and how they plan to ensure adherence to mandatory court guidelines, particularly those that may not have been followed previously in such cases.
The court also sought suggestions for a process that guarantees a free, fair, and transparent investigation.
The Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC), which had previously ordered an inquiry into the encounters, also came under scrutiny. The court directed the AHRC to reveal details about the inquiry officers and the findings of their investigation.
This case stems from a PIL filed by Delhi-based lawyer Arif Jwadder in the Gauhati High Court, challenging alleged fake encounters in Assam. Last year, the High Court disposed of Jwadder’s petition, stating ongoing investigations into such cases.
Jwadder then filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court, which is currently underway.