Officers In Police And Civil Administration In UP Se em To Take Pride In Flouting Judicial Orders: Allahabad HC
The Allahabad High Court has recently expressed serious concerns regarding the conduct of certain officers in Uttar Pradesh's police and civil administration, particularly in relation to their apparent disregard for judicial orders. The court's observations highlight a disturbing trend where these officials seem to take pride in flouting court directives, viewing such actions as achievements rather than violations.
📌 Case Overview: Chhama v. State of UP
In a notable case, a woman named Chhama had obtained an interim stay order from the Allahabad High Court on May 15, 2025, preventing the demolition of her house under Section 67 of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code. Despite this clear directive, officials from Baghpat district, including the Collector, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), and Tehsildar, allegedly proceeded with the demolition on May 16, 2025. Photographic evidence indicated that these officials were aware of the court's order yet chose to ignore it.
⚖️ Court's Observations and Actions
Justice J.J. Munir, presiding over the case, remarked that a culture seems to have developed among executive officers in Uttar Pradesh, especially within the police and civil administration, where violating judicial orders gives them a sense of pride rather than guilt. The court emphasized that any action taken in violation of a judicial order is a nullity, underscoring the seriousness of such misconduct.
In response to this blatant disregard for its orders, the Allahabad High Court issued notices to the Baghpat Collector, SDM, and Tehsildar, directing them to file personal affidavits by July 7, 2025. The court also considered ordering the reconstruction of the demolished structure at the government's expense, highlighting the potential for restitution in cases of unlawful demolition
📊 Summary Table
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 15, 2025 | Chhama obtains interim stay order against demolition. |
| May 16, 2025 | Demolition of Chhama's house despite the court's order. |
| June 27, 2025 | Allahabad High Court issues notices to Baghpat officials and considers reconstruction order. |
| July 7, 2025 | Deadline for officials to submit personal affidavits. |
🔍 Broader Implications
This incident is not isolated. The Allahabad High Court has previously criticized the Uttar Pradesh administration for similar lapses. In another case, the court observed that state officers often pay heed to court orders only when summoned, indicating a reactive rather than proactive approach to judicial compliance.
Such patterns raise concerns about the accountability mechanisms within the state's administrative framework and the need for reforms to ensure that judicial orders are respected and enforced promptly
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