The Supreme Court of India emphasized the need for sensitizing the Uttar Pradesh police after observing a trend of registering criminal cases against alleged gangsters in matters that are essentially civil disputes. The court expressed concern over the misuse of police powers in such instances.
Background:
The remarks came during the hearing of a case where criminal proceedings were initiated against a person accused of being a gangster over what the Supreme Court identified as a civil dispute. The court observed that such practices undermine the sanctity of civil adjudication and could lead to an abuse of the justice system.
Court’s Rationale:
The bench highlighted that criminal proceedings should not be used as a substitute for resolving civil disputes. It pointed out that the indiscriminate application of laws, particularly those aimed at curbing organized crime, dilutes their effectiveness and leads to unnecessary harassment.
The court also stressed the need for proper training and sensitization of police personnel to ensure that such provisions are not misapplied, and civil issues are dealt with through appropriate forums.
Existing Measures:
While guidelines exist for police conduct, cases of overreach and misuse of criminal law provisions continue to surface. The judiciary has repeatedly called for reforms and accountability mechanisms to prevent such practices, including recommendations for better training and awareness programs for law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s observations serve as a reminder of the need to uphold the distinction between civil and criminal matters. Sensitizing police personnel and ensuring adherence to judicial principles is crucial to maintaining public trust and preventing the misuse of the justice system.