By Akhilesh Tripathi
LUCKNOW: The Allahabad High Court has strongly criticised alleged corruption within the Uttar Pradesh Police and expressed serious concern over police personnel engaging in commercial activities. The Court observed that police stations in the state are increasingly becoming centres of business activity rather than institutions responsible for maintaining law and order.
The Court directed the Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report within ten days. It also ordered action against all police officers and personnel posted at Rasra police station in Ballia district.
Case Related to Ballia District
The matter arose from Ballia district, where constable Santosh Kumar, posted at Rasra police station, allegedly withdrew money from his General Provident Fund (GPF) and, along with Harendra Yadav, started a transport business in the name of his brother. A truck was purchased for the business and was being operated by Harendra Yadav.
According to the petition, disputes later arose between Santosh Kumar and Harendra Yadav. It was alleged that the constable used his influence within the police department to have a report sent through a sub-inspector to the ARTO, resulting in the truck being blacklisted. This allegedly prevented the vehicle from operating.
The petitioner further claimed that Santosh Kumar used his police connections to block the transfer of the truck, thereby preventing Harendra Yadav from selling his share and transferring ownership. Harendra Yadav alleged that the constable intended to take sole control of the vehicle and that the local police supported him in the dispute.
After failing to resolve the matter through other means, Harendra Yadav approached the Allahabad High Court seeking relief. The Court admitted the petition and heard the matter on July 30, 2026.
Hearing Before Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal
The case was heard by the Bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal. After examining the facts and materials placed before the Court, Justice Agarwal observed that the role of the Ballia police, particularly the Rasra police station, appeared questionable.
During the hearing, the Court made strong remarks about the functioning of the police. Justice Agarwal observed: “Police stations in the state are becoming centres of commercial activities rather than institutions for maintaining law and order. Instead of handling law-and-order responsibilities, they are turning into places for commercial operations. This is a very disturbing situation and cannot be considered acceptable.”
Court Observations on Affidavits
The Court noted that when personal affidavits were sought from the Ballia ARTO (Administration), the Superintendent of Police, Ballia, and constable Santosh Kumar, it emerged that the constable was engaged in business activities.
Justice Agarwal observed that neither the Superintendent of Police, Ballia, nor the Station House Officer of Rasra police station had taken any action against the constable. On the contrary, the Court noted that a report had been sent to the ARTO that appeared to provide him protection.
The Court further observed that the affidavit filed by the Ballia SP did not mention any departmental or disciplinary proceedings against Santosh Kumar despite allegations that he was openly running a transport business while serving in the police force.
Calling it “a case of corruption in the police department,” Justice Agarwal directed that the entire matter be thoroughly investigated and that action be taken against all police officers and personnel posted at Rasra police station.
Directions to State Authorities
The High Court directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Uttar Pradesh, and the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure action against all concerned officials and personnel. The Additional Chief Secretary has been asked to file an affidavit before the Court detailing the inquiry and the action taken within ten days.
The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for 11 August 2026.
Political Reactions and Commentary
The Court’s observations have triggered political discussion in Uttar Pradesh. Opposition voices have described the remarks as a serious indictment of the functioning of the state police. The High Court has, on earlier occasions as well, expressed concern over the conduct of the Uttar Pradesh Police and emphasised that policing must remain strictly within the framework of law and constitutional responsibility.
The present order has drawn attention to issues of accountability, disciplinary oversight, and the alleged misuse of official influence by serving police personnel.
Courtesy: India Tomorrow
