Activist charged for holding public tribunal

Express News Service Posted: Jun 12, 2008 at 0057 hrs
Kolkata, June 11 The Kolkata police have charged a human right activist for impersonating as a juror. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Detective Department, Jawed Shamim, said," A criminal case has been lodged at the Taltolla Police Station against Kirit Roy for organising a public tribunal."

Roy runs an NGO, Masum. He had organised a public tribunal on harassment and torture by police at Moulali in central Kolkata on June 7. At the two-day tribunal, 1200 victims and their families were present and 82 victims deposed before the tribunal. Roy had also written letter to the Kolkata police commissioner asking him to be present at the hearing. The police sent a notice to Roy seeking an explanation as to under what rules was he holding a public hearing. According to the police, only a designated court or a commission can hold public hearings. Kirit Roy has been booked under Sections 179 (refusing to answer a public servant authorised to question), and 229 (personation of juror or assessor) of Indian Penal Code.