Court Demands Accountability, Orders Chief Secretary to Address Failures and Mismanagement
In a stern judgment issued on May 20, 2026, the Allahabad High Court has reprimanded the Government of Uttar Pradesh for its lackadaisical approach towards the investigation of a criminal case involving serious charges. The bench, comprising Justices Abdul Moin and Pramod Kumar Srivastava, expressed dissatisfaction over the investigative progress in the First Information Report (FIR) registered on January 9, 2025, concerning case crime No. 0014 of 2024 at Police Station PGI, Lucknow.
The court has been monitoring the investigation, which involves serious sections under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, including Sections 316, 318, 338, 336, 61, and 340. Despite the court's supervision, authorities have failed to apprehend and arrest several accused individuals even after more than a year since the FIR was lodged.
In a bid to ensure accountability, the court criticized the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of Uttar Pradesh for filing a casual and unsatisfactory affidavit that lacked serious commitment towards resolving the case. The court noted that two accused, Gaurav Awasthi and Sarvesh Kumar Pandey, were only arrested after the court intervened with a detailed order on April 13, 2026. However, other accused persons remain elusive, with authorities citing non-cooperation as a barrier to their capture.
Highlighting administrative mismanagement, the court found it troubling that Shri Amit Kumar Aanand, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), Lucknow, appeared in court on orders from an unrelated superior authority, disrupting his public duties. The court demanded an explanation from the Chief Secretary of UP for this action and instructed that corrective measures be taken against Shri Mahendra Singh, Special Secretary, who issued the directive.
The court has directed the Chief Secretary to file a personal affidavit by July 15, 2026, addressing the outlined discrepancies and proposing actions against responsible officials. Additionally, the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) is required to show cause as to why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him for failing to heed the court's directives.
The Allahabad High Court, through this judgment, underscores the importance of efficiency and accountability in the administrative processes of law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that such negligence undermines the justice system and the grievances of citizens seeking redress.
Bottom Line:
Supervision of investigation by High Court in a criminal matter - Failure of authorities to act upon assurances extended to the Court - Lackadaisical attitude and casual personal affidavit filed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Government of Uttar Pradesh, criticized - Direction issued for personal affidavit of Chief Secretary, U.P., regarding incongruities and actions to be taken against concerned officials.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Sections 316, 318, 338, 336, 61, 340
Gayatri Devi v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(Lucknow)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2921045
