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Justice Rajesh Mazumdar was hearing a petition filed by the man’s wife, challenging an eviction notice issued by three local organisations in a locality in Mizoram, alleging inaction by the authorities during the mob violence and seeking compensation of Rs 7.61 lakh for damage to her property. The court will next consider the matter on December 4, along with the claims commissioner’s report.

The high court said the release disclosed investigative details beyond the permissible scope of a police media briefing, including call-detail records, the victim’s SIM numbers, details of the body’s recovery and its stage of decomposition, as well as forensic findings.

“The protocol laid down by the police manual was violated when disclosure beyond the permissible factors had been made,” the court said, adding that the release disclosed “evidence theories, forensic details and investigative tactics”.

Three local organisations issued an eviction notice the same day, saying the petitioner’s family could no longer live in the locality in Mizoram. A mob then gathered at her home, pelted stones, burned the house and construction materials, and vandalised and looted property. Her daughter’s scooter was also set ablaze.

The family was forced to leave its rented home, while local organisations issued statements that they would not be allowed to stay in the area.

It also noted that despite the police saying they were outnumbered, “no indication has been given as to the steps which were initiated or attempted to be taken for affording protection.” The eviction notices were later withdrawn.

For the compensation claim, the court appointed an additional district and sessions judge as ‘Claims Commissioner’. The judge has been directed to process the claim and submit recommendations to the registry within three months. The investigating officer handling the mob-violence FIR was directed to follow the Supreme Court’s guidelines, while the superintendent of police was ordered to monitor the case weekly.