In a stern move underscoring the authority of the judiciary, a fast-track court in Kanpur has directed the police chief of Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida) to withhold the salary of a serving police sub-inspector. The order comes after the officer repeatedly failed to appear in court as a prosecution witness in a crucial murder case.
Court Takes Strict Action Against Absent Witness
The presiding judge of the Additional Sessions Court (Fast Track Court for offences against women) in Kanpur Nagar issued the directive on Wednesday. The court's formal communication was addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Gautam Budh Nagar. The order is clear and unequivocal: the disbursement of salary to Sub-Inspector Dharm Prakash Shukla must be stopped until further orders from the court.
This drastic step was not taken lightly. SI Shukla is a listed prosecution witness in a murder case that originated in the Govind Nagar area. The court had summoned him to adduce his evidence, a standard legal procedure where a witness presents testimony. However, the police officer did not comply with the court's summons.
Non-Bailable Warrant Also Ignored
The court's patience was tested further when even the issuance of a non-bailable warrant against SI Dharm Prakash Shukla failed to secure his presence. A non-bailable warrant is a serious legal instrument, typically issued when a person avoids court appearances, and it often leads to arrest. The fact that a serving police officer disregarded such a warrant has prompted the court to take this unprecedented financial action.
The court's written order explicitly states the condition for reversing the salary stoppage: "Stop the disbursement of salary of SI until he adduces his evidence in the present case." Furthermore, the court has asked the Gautam Budh Nagar police administration to inform the court at the earliest about the action taken against the errant sub-inspector.
Next Hearing and Broader Implications
The court has scheduled the next hearing in this matter for December 18, 2025. This case highlights a significant challenge within the judicial process: the non-cooperation of official witnesses, which can delay trials and obstruct justice, especially in serious crimes like murder.
By targeting the salary of the officer, the court has employed a direct and impactful measure to enforce compliance. It sends a strong message to all government officials and witnesses about the paramount importance of respecting judicial processes. The order places the onus on the police department to ensure its officers fulfill their legal obligations when called upon by the courts.
