The Allahabad High Court criticized Uttar Pradesh Police for routinely infringing upon citizens' fundamental rights, terming the state of civil liberties 'shameful'. The court emphasized that police must uphold constitutional safeguards.
UP Police Lacks Regard for Civil Liberties, Says Allahabad HC
In a strongly worded observation, the Allahabad High Court bench comprising Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Achal Sachdev expressed serious concern over the Uttar Pradesh Police’s persistent disregard for fundamental rights and civil liberties. The court noted that violations of constitutional guarantees have become routine, undermining public trust and the rule of law.
"The situation that exists in the State of Uttar Pradesh relating to the civil liberty is shameful, to say the least. The police appear to have little regard for the fundamental rights,"
The remarks were made while reviewing a matter involving alleged abuse of power by police authorities. The bench underscored that law enforcement agencies are bound by the Constitution and must act within its framework, especially in protecting Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) and Article 14 (equality before law). The court emphasized that unchecked police action erodes democratic accountability.
Legal practitioners should anticipate increased judicial scrutiny of police conduct in UP, particularly regarding preventive detentions, custodial actions, and use of force. This ruling reinforces the need for strict adherence to procedural safeguards under the CrPC and Constitution, even as the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) comes into wider application.
