Karnataka police told not to call women to stations at night; KSHRC norms enforced
Bengaluru: Reinforcing safeguards for women, the Karnataka Police leadership has issued a clear directive prohibiting the summoning of women to police stations during night hours, except under exceptional circumstances.
The order, issued by the DGP & IGP office, has been circulated to all police commissioners, district superintendents and railway police units across the State. It mandates that no woman should be asked to appear at a police station for inquiry or investigation between sunset and sunrise.
The directive follows intervention by the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, which flagged instances of women being called late at night and highlighted concerns related to their safety, dignity and legal rights. The Commission emphasised that such actions are inconsistent with established norms.
At the same time, the circular clarifies that in serious or unavoidable situations requiring immediate questioning, women may be examined at night, but only in the presence of a woman police officer and with strict adherence to procedural safeguards.
The issue gained attention after a complaint was filed regarding an incident in July 2024 in the jurisdiction of Ranebennur Rural Police Station. A woman had alleged that she was detained at the police station for around two hours late at night following a neighbourhood dispute. She claimed it violated guidelines and demanded action against the officers involved.
In their defence, police officials stated that both parties were called as part of necessary procedures, including medical examination, and to prevent the situation from escalating. However, the complainant argued that she could have been taken directly to a hospital instead of being summoned to the station at night.
After examining the case, the Human Rights Commission directed the DGP to ensure strict enforcement of guidelines and uniform compliance across the State.
Subsequently, Additional DGP (Grievances and Human Rights) Deva Jyoti Ray issued the circular, instructing all police officers to follow the norms without exception.
The directive underscores the State’s commitment to ensuring women’s safety and accountability in policing practices.
