The Allahabad High Court took strong exception to an incident where the Public Relations Officer to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Azamgarh, allegedly addressed an Assistant Government Advocate as “illiterate” over a telephone call. Taking serious note of the conduct, the single-judge bench of Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal directed the PRO, Rajesh Kumar Singh, to remain in court custody until 5 PM. The bench also directed the Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh to issue a formal circular warning all police personnel across the state that discourtesy or misbehaviour toward government counsel communicating court orders will invite strict legal action.
The matter arose during the hearing of a bail plea filed by Sachin Yadav. On September 16, Assistant Government Advocate Anurag Pandey called the SSP office to convey directions issued by the High Court, during which the PRO allegedly used derogatory language against him. Viewing the incident as an affront to institutional decorum rather than a personal dispute, the bench summoned both the Azamgarh SSP and the PRO to appear in person before the court.
PRO Removed from Post Following Departmental Action
Appearing before the bench, the Azamgarh SSP submitted an affidavit detailing administrative measures taken in the wake of the altercation. The officer informed the bench that a show-cause notice was served on Singh and that he was removed from the post of PRO with immediate effect.
Despite the administrative measures placed on record, the court maintained its strict position on upholding judicial propriety. The bench ordered Singh to remain in judicial custody inside the courtroom premises until 5 PM before allowing his release, emphasising that law officers executing official responsibilities must be treated with appropriate respect by police functionaries.
DGP Ordered to Issue Statewide Advisory to Police
Addressing the wider implications of the confrontation, the High Court directed the state DGP to issue a circular outlining explicit guidelines for police personnel throughout Uttar Pradesh. The court observed that government advocates play an essential role in securing compliance with judicial directions, and seamless communication between legal officers and the police administration remains vital to the justice system.
The directive mandates that police personnel must exercise restraint, maintain professional courtesy, and handle all communications regarding High Court orders with due seriousness. The bench cautioned that any future misconduct toward law officers performing public duties would face severe accountability under the law.
Court Expresses Displeasure Over Unexecuted Warrant
During the proceedings, the bench also noted with displeasure the failure of the district police to execute a non-bailable warrant issued against investigating officer Vinay Mishra. The SSP tendered an unconditional apology before the court for the administrative lapse.
Taking into account the senior police officer’s unblemished service record, the court refrained from passing punitive directions against him. The bench nevertheless cautioned the SSP to maintain rigorous administrative supervision over pending judicial directions and ensure prompt compliance with court orders in the future.
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