Supreme Court Examines Case of ‘Murdered’ Man Found Alive After 14 Years
In a surprising turn of events, the Supreme Court of India is reviewing a case involving a man, Hardeep Singh, who was presumed dead but found alive after 14 years. The case began in 2005 when Punjab police arrested Hardeep under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. He allegedly escaped custody, and a body was later found, assumed to be his. His father, Naginder Singh, filed a habeas corpus, claiming his son was illegally detained. The case was listed on October 4 before justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh, and adjourned to February 14, 2025.
Legal Proceedings and Controversies
Naginder Singh challenged a Punjab and Haryana High Court order that quashed his protest petition and a trial court order summoning police officials. The police opposed the appeal. Reports and investigations over the years have been conflicting, with some indicating Hardeep was alive and in touch with his father, while others suggested he was killed in custody. In 2019, Hardeep was found alive, leading to further legal complications.
Current Status
The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled in favor of the police, stating the man presumed dead was alive, and dismissed charges against the officers. Naginder Singh continues to seek justice, arguing that other charges like illegal detention and wrongful confinement are still valid against the police.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions on legal cases that affect the whole country.
Hardeep Singh -: Hardeep Singh is a person who was thought to be dead for 14 years but was later found alive. His case is being reviewed by the Supreme Court.
Habeas corpus -: Habeas corpus is a legal term that means ‘produce the body.’ It is a way for people to ask the court to check if someone is being held in jail illegally.
Punjab and Haryana High Court -: This is a high court in India that serves the states of Punjab and Haryana. It makes important legal decisions for these regions.
Illegal detention -: Illegal detention means keeping someone in jail or custody without a proper reason or legal process. It is against the law.
