Proceedings initiated by the Police found to be an abuse of authority quashed : Protection granted

Supreme Court Quashes Criminal Proceedings Against Islamuddin Ansari, Orders Voice Sample Examination of DIG SC condemns abuse of authority by police; directs forensic voice analysis to verify audio clip authenticity

In a significant decision, the Supreme Court of India has quashed the criminal proceedings against Islamuddin Ansari, citing an abuse of authority and process by the police. The proceedings, which had been initiated in Criminal Case No. 6196 of 2021, stemming from Case Crime No. 0171 of 2020 at P.S. Kotwali Shahar, District Bijnor, were deemed an overreach of police power.

The bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and K. Vinod Chandran took a firm stance against the misuse of judicial processes, emphasizing the importance of accountability within the law enforcement agencies. The State of Uttar Pradesh had already sought to withdraw the prosecution, acknowledging the unfounded nature of the case against Ansari.

In addition to quashing the case, the Supreme Court ordered a forensic voice sample examination of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sanjeev Tyagi. This directive was issued to verify the authenticity of an audio clip that purportedly contains objectionable language attributed to the petitioner, Ansari. The examination is to be conducted under the supervision of the Director of the Telangana Forensic Sciences Laboratory in Hyderabad, with a report due by January 31, 2026.

Justice Amanullah highlighted the necessity of this examination to ensure justice and transparency, given that Ansari's formal complaint was not adequately addressed by the Superintendent of Police, who is now the DIG of Basti Range, Uttar Pradesh. The Court underscored that any harassment or undue pressure on Ansari by authorities would be met with immediate judicial recourse.

The Court has mandated that the voice examination be conducted by qualified professionals in an impartial manner, free from external influences. The DIG, Sanjeev Tyagi, has been instructed to provide a voice sample as part of this process, and the petitioner is to supply the audio clip to the forensic laboratory.

This judgment reinforces the judiciary's role in safeguarding individual rights against unjust state actions and holds police authorities accountable for their conduct. It is a pivotal reminder of the legal system's commitment to upholding justice and due process.

Bottom Line:

Quashing of criminal proceedings due to abuse of authority and process of the Court by the Police. Direction for voice sample examination of the concerned DIG to verify the authenticity of an audio clip forwarded by the petitioner.

Statutory provision(s): Abuse of authority, Process of the Court, Forensic voice sample examination, Harassment or pressure on petitioner

Islamuddin Ansari v. State of U.P., (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2819504