The Bombay High Court has raised serious concerns regarding the police investigation into the 2020 death of Disha Salian. A bench comprising Justices S.V. Kotwal and R.R. Bhonsale pointed to significant procedural gaps, including forensic handling and the absence of a formal FIR. The court is now focusing on ensuring a transparent, legally compliant inquiry to move past speculation and establish definitive facts.
The Bombay High Court has launched a critical review of the investigation into the 2020 death of Disha Salian, questioning the state’s procedural handling of the case. A bench consisting of Justices S.V. Kotwal and R.R. Bhonsale directed the prosecution to justify the legal rationale for maintaining an Accidental Death Report rather than registering a formal First Information Report despite allegations of foul play raised by the victim's family.
Judicial Scrutiny of Probe Protocols
The court identified several technical discrepancies that have hindered the investigation's credibility. Among the primary concerns raised by the bench is the forensic protocol used during the original inquiry. The judges specifically noted that the post-mortem was reportedly conducted by a single medical professional, which may deviate from standard state medical guidelines requiring two doctors for such cases. Additionally, the court pointed to the absence of crucial evidence, such as direct CCTV footage from the premises, and cited inconsistencies in witness statements recorded by the police.
Focus on Evidentiary Gaps
The judiciary has sought to distance the proceedings from external political commentary, emphasizing that the legal inquiry must remain focused on procedural integrity and the pursuit of justice for the family of the deceased. The bench remarked that six years after the incident, the current investigative status leaves significant legal uncertainty, failing to definitively establish the cause of death or adequately address allegations of potential criminal activity.
The case stems from a petition filed by Satish Salian, who has consistently pushed for a formal investigation into his daughter's death. As the court continues its hearings, legal representatives are expected to present arguments regarding the involvement of various individuals. The court’s primary objective remains ensuring that the state's inquiry adheres strictly to established legal protocols, moving beyond political narratives to reach a conclusive, evidence-based finding.