In Brief
S. Nambi Narayanan, a senior ISRO scientist, was arrested in 1994 on unsubstantiated espionage charges by Kerala Police. After 18 months of investigation, the CBI found the allegations completely false and secured his discharge. Despite this, Kerala's government refused to take action against erring police officers, citing delay. The Supreme Court held that wrongful arrest and malicious prosecution violate Article 21's guarantee of life and dignity. It awarded Rs. 50 lakhs compensation and directed constitution of a Committee headed by a former judge to ensure accountability of the responsible officials."
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