On May 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) to conduct an independent and expeditious inquiry into allegations of fake police encounters in Assam .

The directive came in response to a petition filed by advocate Arif Yeasin Jwadder, who alleged that over 80 such encounters have led to 28 deaths and 48 injuries since May 2021, when Himanta Biswa Sarma took office .

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating that claims involving fake encounters—if proven—constitute a grave violation of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution .

The Court instructed the AHRC to issue a public notice inviting all those claiming to be aggrieved to participate in the inquiry, ensuring confidentiality and sensitivity in handling the matter .

Additionally, the Court directed the Assam State Legal Services Authority to provide legal aid to victims and their families who may require it .

The Supreme Court also clarified that while some encounters might be legally justified, others could potentially involve violations of human rights, underscoring the need for a fair, impartial, and independent investigation .

This development marks a crucial step towards accountability and transparency in policing practices in Assam .

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