Woman advocate accuses Noida Police of sexual assault, illegal detention; SC issues notice to Centre

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre based on a woman advocate's writ petition.

In the petition, the woman has alleged illegal detention for 14 hours overnight at a Noida police station. Also, she has alleged that the police official subjected her to custodial sexual assault, torture, and coercion while she was following her professional duties.

The petition states that the victim is an advocate enrolled with the Shahdara Bar Association, Delhi. In it, she has alleged that she reached Police Station Noida Sector 126 on the night of December 3, in her professional attire, to assist her client, who was looking to register an FIR after suffering injuries.

However, the police allegedly refused to register the FIR. Moreover, the police allegedly showed great respect to the people of a Noida-based private TV channel against whom the petitioner's client wanted to register the FIR.

The petitioner has alleged unlawful detention sans any arrest memo, judicial authorisation, or compliance with mandatory safeguards under the CrPC. Also, she has accused the police of sexually assaulting her, trying to disrobe her, and making threats.

She was allegedly given death threats if she did not toe their line and was denied food, water, legal help, and access to her family during detention. Also, she was forced to open her phone and delete videos and other digital evidence. Also, the CCTV cameras at the police station were made non-functional. She has registered a complaint with the police and the National Human Rights Commission, but the concerned police officers still allegedly threaten her with false cases.