Calls for Strict Enforcement of PULC Guidelines After ‘Half‑Encounter’ Claims

A public‑interest litigation filed in the Supreme Court on June 30 draws attention to the growing trend of “half‑encounters” and extra‑judicial killings in India. The petition, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, references the Bhojpur encounter that resulted in the death of Bharat Bhushan Tiwari and alleges that the police used lethal force after the victim had allegedly surrendered.

The petitioner requests that the Court direct the central and state authorities to adhere rigidly to the PULC (Police Use of Lethal Force) guidelines laid down in earlier Supreme Court judgments. The filing also mentions recent controversial encounters in Uttar Pradesh, arguing that a culture of police‑initiated killings threatens democratic principles.

Key demands include a court‑monitored inquiry, CBI investigation, and strict punitive action against officers who violate the procedural safeguards. The petitioner emphasizes that only the judiciary, not the police, holds the authority to impose punishment, underscoring the separation of powers.

If granted, the order could set a precedent for tighter scrutiny of police operations nationwide, reinforcing the constitutional right to life and personal liberty.