New Delhi: The Allahabad High Court on Friday asserted that the Uttar Pradesh police is repeatedly pressuring judges to pass favourable orders. Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal observed that the problem is not limited to any one district or region but that judicial processes are being inteferred with in several places across the state.
Jusice Deshwal cautioned the Allahabad HC against allowing UP to turn into a police state. He remarked, “Dekhiye isko na police State nai banane dena”(which translates to “See, we can’t allow this to become a police state).” The hearing was held virtually and was attended by DGP Rajiv Krishna and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad. Reports say that the two officials were asked to explain the steps being taken to prevent the growing issue of police shooting accused persons in the legs.
‘Police intervention has become a routine occurrence’
The court also highlighted of how young officers were repeatedly pressuring judicial representatives to pass the orders in their favour. Justice Deshwal also noted that this was not confined to some cases, but that the “law is not being followed” in most districts. He added that disagreements between district police chiefs and judicial officers had become a routine occurrence, especially when the police questioned police actions.
Deshwal also pointed out that a some cases often involved direct pressure being exerted by police officers on judges for specific orders. Feedback from district judges indicated that in most districts, police officers, including IPS officers, were pressurising judicial officers if orders did not go their way.
‘Don’t consider yourself superior to judges’: HC
The situation, the court observed, worsened in instances where police officers entered court rooms to influence proceedings. The Allahabad High Court warned that unnecessary police intervention would ultimately harm ordinary citizens. The court also stressed that the cops must not consider themselves as superior to judges.