Advocates attempt assault on summoned Police officers inside Court; HC orders Registrar General to conduct inquiry

Recently at Allahabad High Court- Principal Bench, a group of advocates allegedly chased police officers who had been summoned by the court to appear in a matter to assault them. 

The incident happened when after passing of the order in a case where allegations had been raised of unfair investigation by police, inside a packed court, the petitioner- a practicing advocate provoked the Bar members to assault the officers who were summoned by the Court.

A large crowd of advocates then assembled inside the courtroom as well as outside in the verandah and staircase. Slogans were also raised to assault the officers.

Taking note of the escalating situation, the court had to rise in order to ensure the security of the officers, including a lady officer. 

The officers were then escorted from the entry door of the Judges through the judges’ corridor and to avoid any untoward incident, one of the officers accompanied the Judges themselves. However, the advocates still chased the officers towards the court gate. 

The court took serious note of the issue and ordered an inquiry to identify the unruly advocates.

Court directed the Registrar General to conduct a discreet inquiry and submit a report. Court clarified that this matter would be registered as a separate case. 

The above transpired in a criminal case where the petitioner had alleged that police officials were doing an unfair investigation and therefore, he had demanded transfer of the investigation to the Crime Branch. 

On the day of the incident, the Additional General Advocate informed the court that the Commissioner of Police had already transferred the investigation.

He also told that on the allegations of unfair investigation as alleged by the petitioner, an inquiry had also been setup on the administrative side against the concerned police officials.

For the hearing, in pursuance of court’s earlier order, the concerned police officers were themselves present before the court 

Taking note of the AGA’s submissions, the bench of Justice Suneet Kumar and Justice Syed Waiz Mian then directed the Investigating Officer of the Crime Branch to conduct the investigation fairly without any pressure or coercion from either of the sides and conclude the investigation expeditiously.

Court also directed the AGA to inform the Court with regard to the status of the investigation on the next date fixed i.e., January 30, 2023. 

However, after passing of the order, the advocates attempted assault on the summoned police officers. 

Taking a stern view, court then refused to monitor the investigation by the Crime Branch. 

While stating that the petitioner has a remedy before the Magistrate, the division bench dismissed the petition having rendered it infructuous.

Case Title: Kamla Singh v. State Of U.P. And 3 Others