Allahabad High Court questions UP Home Department over Investigation delays, seeks Chief Secretary’s Personal Affidavit

The Allahabad High Court has expressed strong dissatisfaction over delays in a criminal investigation being monitored by the court and has directed the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary to file a personal affidavit explaining the lapses. The court also issued a show-cause notice to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), questioning why action should not be recommended against him under applicable service rules.

The matter arose from a petition filed by Gayatri Devi, who sought a fair investigation into an FIR registered at Lucknow’s PGI Police Station in January 2025. A bench comprising Justices Abdul Moin and Pramod Kumar Srivastava observed that despite repeated judicial scrutiny and assurances given by investigating authorities, the probe had made little meaningful progress. The court noted that two accused were arrested only after its intervention in April 2026, while several others continued to remain untraced.

Examining the affidavit submitted by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), the bench found it inadequate and lacking seriousness. According to the court, the affidavit failed to properly address concerns previously raised regarding delays, investigative shortcomings, and accountability. The judges remarked that the officer appeared to have disregarded the court’s directions despite being granted an opportunity to clarify the situation.

The court also questioned the circumstances under which a Deputy Commissioner of Police was summoned to appear before it, despite no judicial order requiring his presence. Calling the development unnecessary, the bench sought an explanation from the Chief Secretary and listed the matter for further hearing on July 15, 2026.