In a recent order, the Delhi High Court declined to frame new guidelines directing police officials to treat women respectfully, observing that such principles are already embedded within existing laws. The bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula was hearing a plea filed by petitioner Thoppani Sanjeev Rao, who alleged inaction on part of the authorities despite earlier directions from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Background
The petitioner had initially submitted a representation on January 23, 2025, to the NHRC, among other authorities, highlighting alleged misconduct by police officers. The NHRC, taking cognizance of the complaint, registered it as Case No. 243/1/40/2025 and on March 27, 2025, directed the concerned respondent to take “necessary action within four weeks.”
However, Rao claimed before the court that no action was taken, despite clear instructions from the Commission. Dissatisfied, he approached the Delhi High Court through W.P. (CRL) 1987/2025, seeking a direction to the NHRC or police authorities to act upon his complaint and to lay down binding guidelines ensuring that police personnel use respectful language and behaviour toward women.
Court’s Observations
Justice Narula noted that the NHRC already possesses suo motu powers to act in cases of non-compliance and that the petitioner was free to approach the Commission again through a fresh representation. “If there is non-compliance with earlier directions, it is open to the petitioner to invoke the jurisdiction of the Commission,” the bench remarked, clarifying that the High Court need not interfere in such administrative processes.
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On the petitioner’s second prayer - seeking formulation of new guidelines to regulate police behaviour towards women - the court was categorical. “It is beyond dispute that police officials are expected to treat women with dignity and must refrain from using inappropriate or unparliamentary language,” Justice Narula observed. He further noted that such ethical conduct is already an established legal and constitutional expectation, and therefore, “the prayer sought is misconceived.”
The tone of the order indicated that while the Court empathised with the petitioner’s concern about women’s dignity, it was not inclined to duplicate or restate existing obligations already covered under Article 21 of the Constitution and the Code of Conduct for Police Personnel.
Decision
With these observations, the High Court disposed of the petition, directing the petitioner to approach the NHRC if he wished to pursue his grievance further. No additional relief was granted.
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The case underscores the judiciary’s stance that while respect and dignity for women in law enforcement interactions are non-negotiable, courts will not reiterate what is already firmly established in constitutional and statutory mandates.
Case:Thoppani Sanjeev Rao vs National Human Rights Commission & Ors.
Court: Delhi High Court
Case Number: W.P. (CRL) 1987/2025
Bench: Justice Sanjeev Narula
Petitioner’s Counsel: Ms. Kanika Saini, Ms. Puneet Kumari, Mr. Prem Latha, Ms. Divya Mathur
Respondents’ Counsel: Mr. Anupam S. Sharma, Special Public Prosecutor for CBI
Date of Order: 14 October 2025
