Supreme Court Takes Strong Action Against Indore Police Officer
The Supreme Court of India has taken decisive action against a Station House Officer in Indore. The court ordered his immediate removal from active duty. This action came after allegations surfaced about the officer's use of stock witnesses in multiple cases.
Court's Direct Orders to Police Authorities
The bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R Mahadevan issued clear instructions. They directed competent authorities to post the SHO in police lines without any investigative duties. The officer cannot supervise investigations or work in any police station until further court orders.
The court made the Police Commissioner of Indore personally responsible. If the removed SHO attempts to interfere in any police station matters, the commissioner must answer directly to the court. This places significant accountability on senior police leadership.
What Are Stock Witnesses?
Stock witnesses represent a serious problem in the justice system. These individuals are not independent observers of crimes. Instead, they regularly testify for police in unrelated cases upon request. They essentially serve at the "beck and call" of law enforcement.
The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval of this practice. Justices called it "anathema" to a country governed by the rule of law. They emphasized that such practices undermine the very foundation of fair and impartial investigations.
Additional Misconduct Revealed
During proceedings, the court discovered more concerning information about the same officer. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously questioned his conduct in another case. That case involved illegal detention and handcuffing without proper court authorization.
The High Court recorded that the SHO admitted to handcuffing a person without obtaining necessary court orders. This additional misconduct strengthened the Supreme Court's determination to take immediate action.
Compliance Requirements and Next Steps
The court has demanded strict compliance with its orders. State counsel must file an affidavit demonstrating how authorities have implemented the removal order. The court specifically instructed counsel to inform concerned authorities immediately without waiting for formal order upload.
This matter remains interim in nature. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 3, 2026. At that time, they will review the affidavit from the Indore Police Commissioner. They will also examine the role and responsibility of the concerned Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Broader Context of Stock Witness Problems
This is not an isolated incident in Indian jurisprudence. Various courts across the country have criticized police for using stock witnesses:
- A Delhi court acquitted two men in a murder case while deprecating Delhi Police for producing a stock witness
- The Ludhiana court cited stock witnesses as a reason for acquitting all accused in the 2007 Shingar Cinema bomb blast case
- The Orissa High Court observed that stock witnesses help police in raids and searches while deposing to facts they never witnessed
The Supreme Court's strong stance sends a clear message about maintaining integrity in police investigations. By removing the SHO and holding senior officers accountable, the judiciary reinforces the importance of proper procedures in a rule-of-law society.
