In a stern message to law enforcement authorities, the Allahabad High Court has imposed a hefty cost of ₹75,000 on the Uttar Pradesh government for continuing a kidnapping investigation despite the woman involved clearly stating she was never abducted.
The court's ruling came during a hearing where it was revealed that investigators had persisted with the probe even after the woman filed an affidavit denying any kidnapping had occurred. The bench expressed strong disapproval of this approach, stating that continuing the investigation under such circumstances amounted to an abuse of the legal process.
Court's Strong Stance on Legal Process
The High Court emphasized that when the alleged victim herself denies the commission of any offense, pursuing the case becomes legally untenable. The bench noted that the police department's insistence on continuing the investigation despite clear evidence to the contrary showed a disregard for proper legal procedures.
"The court's decision highlights the importance of respecting citizens' statements and avoiding unnecessary legal harassment," said a legal expert familiar with the case.
Financial Penalty as Deterrent
The imposition of ₹75,000 cost serves as both punishment and deterrent. The court directed that this amount be deposited within a specified timeframe and potentially used for legal aid services, ensuring the money serves a constructive purpose in the justice system.
This ruling is expected to have significant implications for how police departments across Uttar Pradesh handle similar cases where complainants or victims later retract or clarify their statements.
Broader Implications
Legal experts believe this judgment will:
- Encourage police to be more responsive to victims' statements
- Reduce unnecessary prolongation of investigations
- Set a precedent for similar cases across Indian states
- Promote more efficient use of judicial resources
The case underscores the judiciary's role in checking executive overreach and ensuring that legal processes aren't misused to harass citizens or waste public resources.
