![[Coronavirus Lockdown] Police excesses, decongestion of jails, food for the poor: The Karnataka HC's directions to the state [Read Order]](https://gumlet.assettype.com/barandbench%2F2020-03%2F799b8fc8-dd91-4476-8335-0a51f58a4cf1%2FKarnataka_HC_video_conferencing__1_.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
In the wake of various letters and requests for e-filing of Public Interest Litigation (PILs) received by the Registrar (Judicial), the Karnataka High Court has issued a number directions to be undertaken by various authorities during the Coronavirus lockdown.
The following directions have been passed by a Division Bench of Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice BV Nagarathna.
Police excesses and Lathicharge
The first issue that was considered by the Court was of police excesses and unwarranted lathicharge on the citizens. On this aspect, the Court directed the Director General and Inspector General of Police of the state to issue guidelines/instructions to police personnel to refrain from lathi charge.
The Court went on to note,
"The learned Advocate General as well as the learned Additional Government Advocate who are present here to assist us invited our attention to a direction/guidelines issued by the Commissioner of Police of the City of Bengaluru calling upon the police to show restraint. It will be appropriate if the Director General and Inspector General of Police of the State issues similar guidelines/instructions to the police personnel all over the State. If such guidelines are issued which will apply across the State, we are sure that there may not be an occasion to make allegations regarding police excesses and police indulging in lathi charge."
Karnataka High Court
