Prayagraj: Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna appeared before the Allahabad high court on Tuesday after being summoned by Justice Sameer Jain over what the court described as a recurring reluctance among police officers to comply with judicial orders.The court’s concern stems from delays in police responses and investigations, which, it observed, were affecting hearings, including bail applications in serious criminal cases.During the hearing, Justice Jain remarked that the issue extended beyond a single case and pointed to repeated instances of non-compliance with court directions. The bench also raised concerns over the quality of police investigations, delays in furnishing instructions, and the availability of case records, including CCTV footage relied upon during investigations.When asked what corrective measures had been taken, the DGP referred to the state’s conviction rate. The court, however, observed that conviction data did not address the specific issue of compliance with judicial directions.The bench also flagged delays in receiving police instructions in matters involving personal liberty. Referring to recent Supreme Court observations, Justice Jain noted that while courts earlier granted up to 10 days for police instructions, the apex court had indicated that such information should ideally be made available within three days.The court asked the DGP how the police department would ensure timely submission of instructions in future cases. In response, Krishna assured the bench that mechanisms and committees were in place to address the issue.“You are all very competent. We will tell you the problems, and you can work out the solutions,” the bench orally observed.The DGP was summoned while hearing a bail plea filed by an accused in a murder case. Last month, the court had directed the state to file a detailed counter-affidavit explaining discrepancies between the alleged timing of the crime and CCTV footage dated June 21, 2025. The affidavit was not filed despite specific directions.Expressing concern over the lapse, the court had directed the DGP to appear personally and explain why police officers were showing “reluctance” to obey and comply with court orders.The matter remains under consideration.
