Politics · India Bureau
Supreme Court directs action against Mau police superintendents for negligence in case
A Supreme Court bench has ordered disciplinary proceedings against police superintendents from Mau over their alleged indifference in prosecuting a 2017 kidnapping case. The court expressed concern that only two of 54 prosecution witnesses have been examined since charges were framed.
LSN India ·
The Supreme Court of India has directed the initiation of action against senior police officers from Mau district for their alleged negligence in prosecuting a criminal case. A bench hearing the matter expressed strong disapproval of what it termed a 'casual approach' by the investigating authorities in a 2017 kidnapping case that continues to languish in court proceedings.
The court's criticism centred on the glacial pace of witness examination, with only two of the 54 prosecution witnesses examined since charges were framed several years ago. The bench described the prosecution's efforts as "absolutely slack," indicating a fundamental failure in advancing the case. This snail-paced progress has prolonged the ordeal for all stakeholders, from victims to defendants awaiting trial outcomes.
The Supreme Court's directive to take action against the Mau superintendents of police reflects the judiciary's determination to enforce accountability within law enforcement agencies. By holding senior officers responsible for delays attributable to investigative negligence, the court aims to instil greater rigour in case management and witness management practices. The order underscores the judiciary's growing impatience with systemic delays that continue to plague criminal justice delivery, particularly in states where case backlogs remain pronounced.