In a stern rebuke to the state police force, the Allahabad High Court observed that police stations have turned into hubs for commercial enterprise rather than centers for maintaining law and order. Expressing deep concern over the situation, the court ordered a formal inquiry into allegations of a police constable running a transport business while on duty.
A single-judge bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal directed the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to initiate departmental and disciplinary proceedings against all officers and constables stationed at the Rasra Police Station in Ballia district. The DGP has been mandated to submit an affidavit detailing the action taken within 10 days.
Key Highlights of the Case
-
The Dispute: The court was hearing a petition filed by Harendra Yadav, whose truck was blacklisted by the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Ballia, following an ownership dispute.
-
Underlying Conflict: The dispute involved Yadav and Santosh Kumar, a constable posted at Rasra police station.
-
Constable’s Admission: During court proceedings, the constable admitted to withdrawing funds from his General Provident Fund (GPF) to launch a business under his brother’s name in partnership with Yadav.
-
Police Role: The ARTO blacklisted the vehicle based solely on a report submitted by Sub-Inspector Shiv Murti Tiwari regarding the private ownership disagreement.
Court’s Strong Remarks
The court noted with dismay that neither the Superintendent of Police (SP), Ballia, nor the officer-in-charge of Rasra police station took corrective action against the constable. Instead, official reports appeared to shield the officer’s private business ventures.
“This court is shocked that police stations have become a place of commercial activities and policemen are indulging in business activities rather maintaining law and order in the state. If this be the condition, then no law and order could be maintained…” — Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, Allahabad High Court
Finding evidence that the station’s personnel supported the illegal enterprise, the court issued its directions on July 27 to investigate commercial operations at the station.
The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on August 11.
