The Allahabad High Court has expressed strong displeasure over alleged corruption and commercial activities involving police personnel in Uttar Pradesh, observing that several police stations across the state are turning into hubs for commercial enterprise rather than maintaining law and order. Hearing a petition filed by Ballia resident Harendra Yadav, a single-judge bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal directed the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to conduct an inquiry into Rasra police station and take strict action against guilty officers and employees.
Dispute over Transport Business Reveals Police Misuse
The order came during hearings on a challenge filed by Yadav against the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) in Ballia, who had blacklisted Yadav’s truck and banned its transfer. Proceedings revealed that Constable Santosh Kumar, posted at Rasra police station, had withdrawn funds from his General Provident Fund (GPF) to purchase a truck in the petitioner’s name.
The two subsequently launched a joint transport business, but following a commercial dispute, official police authority was allegedly deployed against Yadav. According to allegations, Sub-Inspector Shiv Murti Tiwari of Rasra police station submitted a report to the ARTO, which served as the basis for blacklisting the vehicle and blocking its transfer.
High Court Raises Concerns Over Law and Order Impact
The court expressed concern over the lack of departmental action against the constable engaging in private business while in government service, noting attempts to shield the personnel involved. Observing that police personnel appear to be abandoning their core duty of maintaining law and order to engage in commercial dealings, the court warned that continuing such practices would make maintaining law and order in the state increasingly difficult.
The bench remarked that prima facie, the entire Rasra police station appeared to be involved in commercial activities.
Strict Timelines Set for Compliance Affidavit
Taking a stern view of the situation, the court instructed the Registrar (Compliance) to send a copy of the judicial order to the concerned authorities within 48 hours.
Furthermore, the High Court directed the DGP to submit an affidavit detailing the action taken in the matter within ten days. The matter remains under judicial monitoring pending the submission of the police investigation report.
