In a scathing indictment of police high-handedness, the Allahabad High Court has come down heavily on Uttar Pradesh police for the illegal detention of an interfaith couple, directing their immediate release while pulling up the authorities for gross constitutional violations.
Court's Strong Rebuke to Police Authorities
The bench, comprising Justice Siddharth Verma, expressed severe displeasure over the police's arbitrary actions while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by the couple's family members. The court noted with concern that the couple had been detained illegally without any formal arrest or legal procedure being followed.
Constitutional Rights Violation Exposed
During the proceedings, the court discovered shocking lapses in police conduct:
- The couple was held in custody without any official documentation
- No First Information Report (FIR) had been registered against them
- Basic legal procedures for arrest and detention were completely ignored
- The police failed to produce the couple before a magistrate within 24 hours
Immediate Release Ordered
The High Court wasted no time in exercising its constitutional powers, ordering the immediate release of the detained couple. The ruling emphasized that such arbitrary detention practices have no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
Broader Implications for Police Accountability
This case has brought to light serious concerns about police accountability and the protection of citizens' fundamental rights. The court's strong stance serves as a crucial reminder to law enforcement agencies that they must operate within the boundaries of the Constitution.
The judgment is being seen as a significant victory for civil liberties and a stern warning against the misuse of police power, particularly in cases involving interfaith relationships where personal choices often face undue scrutiny from authorities.
