Allahabad High Court slams UP police over illegal detention, civil liberties

The Allahabad High Court has expressed serious concern over repeated instances of illegal detention by police in Uttar Pradesh, describing the civil liberties situation in the state as 'shameful'. The court's intervention came while hearing a petition regarding an individual held in custody without proper legal procedures.

In its order, the court directed the immediate release of the petitioner and mandated that the state government pay him ₹20,000 as compensation for the unlawful detention. The judgment underscores growing judicial scrutiny of police detention practices across the state.

A significant aspect of the court's findings involved the repeated unavailability of police CCTV footage from the relevant period. The judges flagged this pattern as a troubling indicator, suggesting potential obstruction or negligence in maintaining crucial evidence that could substantiate detention procedures and protect the rights of the accused.

The ruling adds to mounting concerns about custodial practices in UP, with the high court emphasizing the need for stricter adherence to constitutional protections and legal procedures governing arrest and detention. The judgment serves as a reminder to law enforcement agencies of their obligation to respect fundamental rights and maintain transparent records of all police operations.