Court orders filing of status reports and departmental enquiry following wilful disobedience of court directions in a 9-year-old case under Section 509 IPC
In a significant ruling dated September 9, 2026, the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Mini Pushkarna, expressed strong displeasure over the alleged callous attitude of the police investigating officer (IO) in a long-pending case registered under Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case pertains to FIR No. 36/2016, registered at Amar Colony Police Station, relating to the offence under Section 509 IPC, which deals with insulting the modesty of a woman.
The petitioner, Mohinder Singh, named as an accused in the FIR, filed a contempt petition alleging wilful disobedience of the Court's earlier directions issued on February 14 and February 24, 2025, in W.P. (CRL) 242/2024. The Court had previously directed the police to complete the investigation expeditiously, given the FIR's pendency for over nine years, which had caused prolonged ignominy to the petitioner.
Justice Pushkarna, in her order, remarked with surprise at the IO's failure to file any status report or conclude the investigation, despite accepting notice on January 23, 2024. She directed the concerned Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to examine the investigation file, file a detailed status report within one week, and initiate a departmental enquiry into the IO's conduct for the delay.
The Court further mandated the ACP to provide a stepwise timeline of investigative steps taken since January 2024 to identify lapses and ensure accountability. The Court also granted liberty to the respondents to file an affidavit within four weeks regarding compliance with the Court's directions and allowed the petitioner to file a rejoinder within two weeks thereafter. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 3, 2027.
Notably, the Court took cognizance of the fact that the FIR in question had been quashed as per an order dated August 10, 2026. However, the Court emphasized that the directions concerning the investigation process and departmental action against the IO remain binding to uphold the rule of law and accountability in police administration.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring timely and effective investigation by police authorities and penalizing dereliction of duty, especially in sensitive cases involving offences against women. It also highlights the Court's proactive stance in monitoring compliance with its orders to prevent miscarriage of justice due to police inaction.
Bottom Line:
Contempt of Court - Alleged wilful disobedience of court directions regarding non-completion of investigation in a case under Section 509 IPC - Court directs filing of affidavit and status reports to ensure compliance with its earlier orders.
Statutory provision(s): Section 509, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Mohinder Singh v. Sh. Anurag Kumar, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2981942
