SC pulls up Hry govt over Bhatla social boycott case

Hisar: The Supreme Court has strongly reprimanded the Haryana govt for failing to provide necessary resources to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to reinvestigate the Bhatla social boycott case. The court, in a hearing on Wednesday, criticised the state govt for its non-cooperation despite prior directives.
A bench comprising Justice MM Sundaresh and Justice Rajesh Bindal expressed its displeasure over the state govt's reluctance to assist the SIT. The Supreme Court had ordered the formation of the SIT on Jan 30, 2025, for a fresh probe into the cases registered in connection with the Bhatla incident.
The victim's advocate, Rajat Kalsan, informed that during the proceedings, the Supreme Court bench sternly questioned the Haryana govt's legal representative. The court noted that despite repeated requests from the SIT, the chief secretary of Haryana failed to provide the necessary resources and logistical support, thereby obstructing the investigation. The bench remarked that the state govt's conduct suggested an unwillingness to cooperate.
The court issued a warning to the Haryana govt, stating that if the required support was not provided to the SIT, it would be deemed contempt of court. It further cautioned that the chief secretary of Haryana could be summoned, and contempt proceedings could be initiated against him. Following the court's sharp reprimand, the Haryana govt assured that all necessary support, including travel and accommodation arrangements, would be provided to the SIT for the investigation.
Advocate Kalsan highlighted that the victim had approached the Supreme Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, alleging bias in the initial investigation conducted by the Hansi police. In its previous hearing, the Supreme Court directed a reinvestigation under the leadership of two former DGPs from Uttar Pradesh. The SIT was given three months to submit its report, and the Haryana govt was explicitly instructed to provide all necessary assistance.
Background of the Case
The Bhatla social boycott case dates back to 2017, when Dalit youths were allegedly attacked and subjected to caste-based abuse by members of the upper-caste community over a dispute involving access to a water tap. When no settlement was reached in the subsequent legal proceedings, the village's upper-caste brotherhood committee reportedly declared a social boycott of the dalit community.
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