By BK Singh
Despite being under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath — widely regarded as one of the most effective and decisive CMs in independent India — the ground reality of the Uttar Pradesh Police remains deeply troubling.
Behind the façade of law and order lies a law enforcement machinery that is increasingly being seen as unaccountable, overreaching, and in many cases, outright lawless.
The latest blow to the credibility of the police force came in the wake of a disturbing incident in Jaunpur, where a 90-year-old petitioner, Gauri Shankar Saroj, alleged that local police officers intimidated him into withdrawing a PIL he had filed regarding the encroachment of Gaon Sabha land.
The retaliation went so far, he claimed, that the police demolished his house, showing blatant disregard for both legal process and basic human rights.
In response to the Allahabad High Court’s sharp rebuke and concern over this misuse of authority, the Uttar Pradesh government issued a state-wide circular on July 25.
The directive prohibits police officers from contacting petitioners or their advocates in sub-judice matters without prior sanction from competent authorities or the courts. This move, though commendable in intent, exposes a deeper malaise within the state’s policing apparatus.
High Court’s Stern Warning and Cynicism Over Implementation
During the July 28 hearing, the Allahabad High Court, particularly Justice JJ Munir, praised the newly issued guidelines as “commendable” and “laudable.” However, he did not shy away from voicing serious doubts about their actual enforcement, noting that such directives often “gather dust in the bureaus of district officials” instead of being actively implemented.
The court took on record a personal affidavit filed by the Principal Secretary (Home) and directed the Additional Chief Standing Counsel to consult with state officials to ensure consistent and meaningful implementation of the circular.
Additionally, the court acknowledged an affidavit from the Superintendent of Police, Jaunpur, confirming that disciplinary action was initiated against the officers accused of threatening the petitioner. The case is now set to be heard again on July 31, as the court continues its close monitoring.
The Bigger Picture: Commissionerates, Power Without Accountability
A senior lawyer familiar with the state’s legal and administrative landscape didn’t mince words. “The creation of Police Commissionerates has given local law enforcement even more unchecked power. Rather than improving efficiency, it has emboldened officers to act beyond their mandate, often treating citizens with impunity.”
This case is not an isolated one. Just weeks ago, the Supreme Court of India sharply criticized the UP Police for twisting a civil dispute into a criminal case — a glaring example of the force’s willingness to misuse legal provisions for intimidation or other motives.
A CM With Vision, But a Force Without Direction
CM Yogi Adityanath commands immense respect from the people of Uttar Pradesh, with many regarding him as the most capable leader the state has had since independence. His administrative and developmental strides are widely acknowledged. Yet, even the strongest leadership cannot compensate for a law enforcement system that operates without direction, accountability, or fear of consequence.
While senior officials do occasionally take disciplinary steps — often after media reports or court interventions — they remain largely inaccessible to the public, creating a vacuum where justice is delayed, if not denied.
A Force in Need of Urgent Reform
The Allahabad High Court’s recent observations are not just about a single PIL. They are a mirror to the systemic rot that continues to fester within the UP Police.
Until structural reforms are initiated, until accountability mechanisms are internalized, and until citizens can fearlessly approach authorities, these circulars and guidelines — however well-intentioned — may do little more than decorate bureaucratic files.
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