The Allahabad High Court sharply criticised the manner in which senior police officers responded to judicial directions in a case involving alleged irregularities in the investigation of a serious offence. A Division Bench of the Court expressed strong displeasure at the superficial and evasive responses submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police and a Sub-Inspector to the Court’s earlier orders, describing the replies as unsatisfactory, evasive, and failing to address the core issues raised. The matter related to a cognisable offence where the Court had issued specific directives for investigation and compliance, and the lack of meaningful progress prompted the High Court to intervene.
The Court observed that the status report filed by the police merely stated that the matter was under inquiry without providing details of concrete action taken, the steps pursued, or any substantive results achieved. The bench remarked that such a status report indicated a lackadaisical approach to judicial orders and undermined the authority of the criminal justice process. It was noted that the responses lacked particulars regarding steps such as recording of statements, place of occurrence visits, seizure of material, or any procedural compliance mandated by law. These omissions, the Court said, were unacceptable and pointed to a failure of duty on the part of the investigating officers.
In response to the unsatisfactory police replies, the High Court directed the Chief Judicial Magistrate of the concerned district to file an explanation regarding the progress of the matter from the judicial side. The Court emphasised that the magistrate must account for personal supervision and ensure that judicial functions are discharged effectively, given that the case had been pending and had not progressed despite repeated judicial instructions. The bench made clear that the magistrate’s explanation must detail the steps taken by the court and any difficulties encountered, thereby ensuring that both investigative and judicial accountability are brought before the High Court.
The Allahabad High Court’s remarks underscored the principle that judicial directions cannot be met with perfunctory compliance and that investigative officers must discharge their responsibilities with diligence and sincerity. The Court indicated that mere assertions of inquiry were insufficient and that detailed, factual responses must be furnished to demonstrate that orders are being acted upon. By holding both executive and judicial officers to account, the High Court sought to reinforce the obligation of law enforcement and judicial functionaries to actively engage in and expedite the criminal justice process.
The case highlighted the systemic issues that can arise when police responses to judicial oversight are superficial and fail to reflect substantive progress. The High Court’s order served as a reprimand and a directive to improve the quality of reporting and compliance in cases under judicial scrutiny. By directing the Chief Judicial Magistrate to explain the status of the matter from the judicial end, the Court stressed that accountability must be upheld at all levels of the justice delivery system. The bench warned that continued failure to provide meaningful updates could invite further judicial intervention or appropriate orders to ensure adherence to legal obligations and procedural mandates in the case at hand.
The High Court’s intervention reflects its role in supervising the course of criminal proceedings, particularly where there is apparent inertia or procedural lapses. By castigating the inadequate police replies and seeking explanations from the magistrate, the Court reiterated that judicial orders must be treated with seriousness and that responses to such orders must be thorough, transparent, and capable of demonstrating real progress in investigation and adjudication. The matter has been listed for further hearing, during which the High Court will consider the explanations filed and the steps taken to advance the case in compliance with its earlier directions.
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