Delhi High Court Criticizes Police for Delayed Investigation, Orders Inquiry Against Investigating Officer
Introduction
In a strong rebuke to the Delhi Police, the Delhi High Court has expressed displeasure over the prolonged delay in an ongoing investigation, describing the approach as a “callous attitude.” The court has directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to initiate an inquiry against the Investigating Officer (IO) responsible for handling the case.
Court Observations on the Investigation Delay
During a hearing last week, Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora took serious note of the fact that the investigation related to an FIR registered at Police Station Amar Colony had been pending for several years. The judge criticized the negligence and inefficiency shown by the IO, highlighting that such undue delays hamper justice.
Petitioner’s Arguments on Time-Barred Cognizance
Advocate Ujwal Ghai, representing the petitioner, pointed out that the investigation had remained incomplete for the past nine years, leading to immense hardship and ignominy for his client. He further argued that, under Section 468 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.), the cognizance of the case was now time-barred, making it legally unsustainable. Consequently, he sought the quashing of the FIR on merits.
Delhi High Court’s Directives
Taking serious note of the police’s inaction, the Delhi High Court has issued the following directives:
- Inquiry Against IO: The ACP of Delhi Police has been ordered to conduct a detailed inquiry against the Investigating Officer responsible for the prolonged delay.
- Stepwise Investigation Timeline: The ACP must submit a stepwise report detailing the progress and lapses in the investigation.
- Status Report Submission: The ACP is required to file a status report within a week, outlining the reasons for the delay and the current status of the investigation.
- Next Hearing Date: The court has fixed February 24 as the next date for further proceedings.
Implications of the Court’s Reprimand
The Delhi High Court’s firm stance underscores the importance of timely investigations and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The ruling serves as a wake-up call for police officials to ensure efficiency and diligence in handling criminal cases, preventing unnecessary delays that impact justice delivery.
With the court actively monitoring the case, the outcome of the ACP’s inquiry report will determine whether disciplinary action will be taken against the erring officer. The next hearing on February 24 is expected to shed more light on the matter and may set a precedent for similar cases of investigative negligence.
