ISLAMABAD: The Allahabad High Court strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh Police for an alleged practice of shooting accused persons in the legs and presenting such incidents as gunfights, raising serious concerns over legality and accountability, Indian media reported on Friday.
A bench led by Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal sought explanations from the state’s Director General of Police, Rajiv Krishna, and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad.
The officers have been directed to appear before the court via video conference to clarify whether any verbal or written instructions had been issued to police personnel to shoot suspects in the legs or stage encounters as gunfights.
‘Wholly impermissible’
The court observed that incidents of firing at the legs of accused persons appeared to have become routine, often carried out to impress senior officers or “teach the accused a lesson.”
The bench emphasized that “such conduct is wholly impermissible, as the power to punish lies exclusively within the domain of the courts and not with the police.”
Justice Deshwal highlighted that India’s democratic framework mandates a clear separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, warning that any encroachment by the police into judicial functions cannot be tolerated.
The court also noted concerns that some officers might be misusing their authority to gain attention from seniors or generate public sympathy by projecting incidents as gunfights.
Alleged police encounters
The observations came during hearings on bail petitions filed by three individuals injured in alleged police encounters.
The bench questioned the necessity and proportionality of using firearms, noting that no police officers were reported injured in these incidents.
In one case, the court found that although a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered, the injured person’s statement had not been recorded before a magistrate or medical officer, and initial investigation by a sub-inspector had later been reassigned.
The court directed the DGP and Additional Chief Secretary to confirm whether instructions had been issued to ensure compliance with Supreme Court guidelines on FIR registration, recording statements, and proper investigation procedures in cases involving death or grievous injury during police encounters.
During the proceedings, Justice Deshwal also raised concerns about police officers allegedly pressuring judicial officers to issue certain orders, stressing that mutual respect between police and judiciary is essential.
DGP Krishna assured the court that instructions would be issued to uphold protocol and the supremacy of law, the Indian media report said.
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