Bombay HC: Right to Sleep Upheld, Late-Night Interrogations Condemned

 

In a landmark decision, the Bombay High Court recognized the fundamental human right to sleep. The Court criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for conducting interrogations late at night which compromises a person’s well-being and cognitive abilities. This ruling came in response to a petition filed by 64-year-old Ram Issrani, challenging his unlawful arrest by the ED in a money laundering case. Despite cooperating fully with the investigation, Issrani found himself subjected to prolonged questioning well past midnight leading up to his arrest.

The Court affirmed that the right to sleep is essential for maintaining one’s mental and physical health. By interrogating Issrani late into the night, the ED violated his basic rights. Moreover, the Court issued directions ordering the ED to implement guidelines regarding reasonable timing for interrogations. This aims to ensure interrogations only occur during hours that do not infringe upon a detainee’s right to rest. The bench emphasized the need for lawful agencies to treat individuals with dignity and respect throughout legal proceedings. Overall, this landmark judgment sets an important precedent for protecting fundamental human rights within India’s legal system.