New Delhi, July 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government over allegations that police used excessive force, including a lathi-charge, against sanitation workers protesting in Barnala over demands related to service regularisation, higher wages and job security.
Taking cognisance of a complaint, a Bench headed by NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo issued notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), directing them to conduct an inquiry into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.
The Commission initiated proceedings under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which empowers it to inquire into alleged violations of human rights.
According to the complaint, sanitation workers, including women, were holding a peaceful protest in Barnala on July 25 when police allegedly resorted to a lathi-charge, infringing upon their right to peaceful assembly while they were seeking redressal of employment-related grievances.
The complainant has sought an independent inquiry into the incident, compensation for those injured, medical documentation of the victims and disciplinary as well as legal action against the officials allegedly responsible.
Observing that the allegations, if found to be true, prima facie indicate a violation of the protesters’ human rights, the NHRC directed the state authorities to furnish a comprehensive report covering all aspects of the incident.
The Commission has sought details of the circumstances that led to the alleged use of force, the justification for ordering the lathi-charge, the identity of the competent authority that authorised it and copies of any written orders issued in this regard.
It has also asked the Punjab government to provide information on the number of injured sanitation workers, the nature of their injuries, their current medical condition and copies of medico-legal certificates (MLCs), casualty records and treatment documents. In cases where MLCs were not prepared, the Commission has sought an explanation.
Additionally, the NHRC has sought details of any compensation or ex gratia assistance extended to the injured, along with information on FIRs, Daily Diary Reports (DDRs), departmental proceedings or criminal cases registered in connection with the incident.
The Commission has also asked whether any departmental, magisterial or independent inquiry has been ordered and whether the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the use of police force was followed.
Further, it has sought copies of relevant records, including video footage, deployment orders, wireless logbooks and use-of-force reports, besides details of measures proposed to prevent similar incidents and safeguard the rights and dignity of sanitation workers while maintaining public order.
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