The Allahabad High Court has taken strong exception to the non-compliance of judicial orders by district police authorities, issuing a direct summons to the Sant Kabir Nagar superintendent of police. The court’s intervention follows the persistent failure of local law enforcement officials to provide requisite case records, factual details, and instructions to state government advocates. Expressing deep displeasure over the obstruction caused to judicial proceedings, a division bench comprising Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Divesh Chandra Samant has directed the district police chief to appear in person on October 28 to explain the administrative breakdown.
The bench also directed that a formal copy of the judicial order be forwarded to the Uttar Pradesh director general of police to ensure that appropriate administrative and disciplinary measures are initiated against those responsible for the lapse. The court emphasized that the deliberate or negligent delay by district police wings undermines the administration of justice and places state legal officers in an untenable position during proceedings.
High Court Intervenes in Domestic Violence Plea
The matter originated from a petition filed before the High Court by Reema Yadav, who sought judicial directions for a fair and proper investigation into allegations of assault and domestic violence. The criminal complaint concerning the offences was registered at the Kotwali police station in Sant Kabir Nagar district. During earlier hearings on the petition, the bench found it necessary to examine the current status and conduct of the investigation carried out by the local police.
To assess the progress of the inquiry, the High Court issued an order on July 15, 2026, directing the district police administration to compile complete information and clarify the exact stage of the investigation. The authorities were expected to transmit the files to the government counsel representing the Uttar Pradesh administration. However, despite the lapse of several months, the concerned investigating officers and police leadership failed to comply with the judicial directives, leaving the case files pending without factual updates.
Government Counsel Highlight Systemic Non-Cooperation
When the matter came up for resumed hearing, the Additional Advocate General representing the state informed the bench about the difficulties faced by the prosecution office. The law officer stated that formal written communications had been dispatched to the police authorities of Sant Kabir Nagar, requesting relevant case diaries, documents, and clear factual instructions to address the petition.
Despite multiple official requests, the Sant Kabir Nagar police sent no response, completely disregarding the inquiries initiated by their own legal representatives. The Additional Advocate General submitted that such institutional indifference leaves government advocates unequipped to address questions from the bench, effectively preventing the state from presenting its lawful position.
The division bench noted that this incident is not an isolated occurrence but reflects a recurring pattern where investigating personnel across districts show apathy toward judicial timelines and fail to brief state counsel in ongoing litigation.
Mandate for Accountability and Court Appearance
Taking a serious view of the continuous lapse, the division bench made it clear that administrative inaction bordering on disobedience cannot be tolerated. The bench forwarded the directive to the Uttar Pradesh director general of police, marking the breakdown of communication for senior leadership review and systemic rectification across the force.
The Sant Kabir Nagar superintendent of police has been ordered to remain present before the court on October 28. The officer must clarify the circumstances surrounding the non-compliance with the July 15 order and justify why district officials withheld instructions from the government advocate. The bench reiterated that effective judicial functioning relies entirely on timely cooperation, warning that police officers must remain accountable to the courts.
Follow for daily updates on cybercrime, corporate fraud, DFIR, hacking, investigations, and digital forensics
