Allahabad High Court Defers Hearing on Ex-CO Anuj Chaudhary’s Plea in Sambhal Violence FIR Case
The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday postponed the hearing on a petition filed by former circle officer of Sambhal, Anuj Chaudhary, who has challenged an order directing the registration of an FIR against him and several other police personnel in connection with the Sambhal violence case of 2024.
The controversial order was passed on January 9 by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Sambhal, Vibhanshu Sudhir, following a complaint filed by a resident alleging police firing during the unrest.
State Government Also Moves Court
When the matter came up for hearing, Uttar Pradesh’s Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal informed the court that the state government has also filed a separate petition challenging the CJM’s directive to register the FIR.
Taking note of this, Justice Samit Gopal ordered that both petitions — the one filed by Anuj Chaudhary and the one moved by the state — be heard together. The court fixed February 9 as the next date of hearing.
The judge also granted time to the counsel representing the complainant, Yameen, allowing him to prepare for the consolidated proceedings.
Background of the Case
The legal battle stems from a plea filed by Yameen, a resident of the Khaggu Sarai locality in Sambhal’s Nakhasa area.
In his complaint, Yameen alleged that his 24-year-old son, Alam, had stepped out on November 24, 2024, to sell papad when he was allegedly shot at by police personnel near the Shahi Jama Masjid area during the violence.
Based on this complaint, the CJM had directed the police to register an FIR against multiple officers, including former CO Anuj Chaudhary.
What Lies Ahead
With both the state government and the former officer now challenging the magistrate’s order, the High Court will examine whether the FIR was rightly directed or whether the lower court overstepped its authority.
The case is being closely watched, as it touches upon the accountability of law enforcement during riot-like situations and the legal process involved in ordering criminal action against police officials.
