Disciplinary actions to be initiated against police officials of Rasra Police Station, Ballia, for engaging in commercial activities and misuse of authority.
In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into allegations of police misconduct at the Rasra Police Station, Ballia, where police personnel, including a constable, have been found engaging in commercial activities while on duty. The judgment, delivered by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, highlights severe lapses in maintaining law and order, with police officials indulging in business activities, thereby compromising their official duties.
The case arose when Harendra Yadav, the petitioner, filed a complaint against Santosh Kumar, a constable at Rasra Police Station, who allegedly withdrew funds from his General Provident Fund (GPF) account to start a transportation business. The business was reportedly run in the name of the petitioner, leading to a dispute between the two parties. The Assistant Regional Transport Officer of Ballia, acting on a report submitted by a police sub-inspector, blacklisted the vehicle involved in the business due to the ownership conflict.
The court expressed shock at the revelation that police stations had become hubs for commercial activities, undermining their primary role in upholding law and order. The judgment noted that the involvement of Santosh Kumar and the inaction of senior police officials, including the Superintendent of Police, Ballia, and the Station House Officer of Rasra, indicated a systemic problem within the police department.
Justice Agarwal directed the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, to conduct an inquiry into the commercial activities at the Rasra Police Station. Additionally, disciplinary proceedings are to be initiated against all implicated police officials and constables. The court emphasized the need for accountability and swift action to restore the integrity of law enforcement agencies.
The court has mandated the Registrar (Compliance) to dispatch a copy of the order to the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Government of Uttar Pradesh, within 48 hours. The authorities are required to report back to the court with an affidavit detailing the actions taken against the erring officials within ten days.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 11, 2026, to review the progress of the inquiry and ensure compliance with the court's directives.
Bottom Line:
Police officers indulging in commercial activities, including running businesses while in service, amounts to serious misconduct and undermines law and order. Disciplinary proceedings must be initiated against such erring officials.
Statutory provision(s): Article 227 of the Indian Constitution, Uttar Pradesh Police Act, 1861, General Provident Fund (Central Services) Rules, 1960
Harendra Yadav v. Assistant Regional Transport Officer, (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc id # 2952537
