Allahabad HC questions UP Police over ‘half encounters’, seeks explanation from DGP, Home Secretary
Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court has come down heavily on the Uttar Pradesh Police over the alleged practice of shooting accused persons in the legs and projecting such incidents as armed encounters, observing that the trend, commonly referred to as “half encounters”, has no sanction under the law.
A bench headed by Justice Arun Kumar Deshwal directed Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Rajiv Krishna and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad to appear via video conferencing and clarify whether any oral or written instructions had been issued to police personnel to carry out such actions and portray them as encounters.
According to a Bar & Bench report, the court remarked that incidents of accused persons being shot in the legs appear to have become routine in the state. Justice Deshwal noted that such acts seem aimed at earning publicity, pleasing senior officers, or delivering what the police perceive as instant punishment. He underlined that such conduct is wholly impermissible, as the authority to punish rests exclusively with the judiciary.
The court said India is governed by the Constitution, which clearly demarcates the roles of the executive, legislature and judiciary, and that the police cannot assume the role of courts. “The power to punish lies with the judiciary, not with the police,” the court reiterated.
The observations were made while hearing bail applications of three accused who had sustained injuries in separate alleged encounters with the police. The court took note of the fact that no police personnel were injured in these incidents, which raised doubts about the necessity and proportionality of the use of firearms.
In one case, the High Court pointed out that although an FIR had been registered, the injured accused’s statement was not recorded before a magistrate or medical officer, which violates the Supreme Court guidelines. The investigation was initially conducted by a sub-inspector and later transferred to an inspector, which the court said amounted to non-compliance with the directions laid down by the Supreme Court in the PUCL versus State of Maharashtra case.
Taking a stringent view, the court laid down six mandatory guidelines to be followed in cases where an accused suffers grievous injuries during a police encounter. It warned that district-level police heads, including superintendents of police, senior superintendents and commissioners, would face personal contempt proceedings if these directions are violated in their jurisdictions, as reported by the Bar & Bench.
The court also expressed concern over reports of police officers exerting pressure on judicial officers, including chief judicial magistrates, to secure favourable orders. Cautioning against the erosion of institutional boundaries, Justice Deshwal said Uttar Pradesh cannot be allowed to function as a police state and stressed the importance of mutual respect between the police and the judiciary.
In response, DGP Rajiv Krishna assured the court that clear instructions would be issued to ensure strict compliance with the law and Supreme Court guidelines. “The majesty of law is supreme,” he told the court.
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Shehbaz Sharif says ceasefire extends beyond Iran, including “Lebanon and elsewhere”
Islamabad: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the ceasefire agreement between Iran, the United States and their allies extends beyond the immediate conflict and includes “Lebanon and elsewhere,” adding that it is effective immediately.
In a social media post, Sharif said, “I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes.”
He said both sides had shown “remarkable wisdom and understanding” and remained constructively engaged in efforts aimed at peace and stability during the high-stakes mediation process.
“We earnestly hope that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days,” Sharif added.
With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 7, 2026
I warmly welcome the…
