Supreme Court slams UP police for criminalising civil disputes, calls it breakdown of rule of law

Court's sharp rebuke

The Supreme Court of India on Monday pulled up the Uttar Pradesh police for routinely criminalising civil disputes, calling it a 'complete breakdown of the rule of law'. The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, was hearing a petition that highlighted how police in the state were filing criminal cases in matters that were purely civil in nature.

The observations came after the court examined a case where a property dispute between two private parties was given a criminal colour by the police. The bench noted that such actions by the state machinery violate the fundamental rights of citizens and erode public trust in the justice system.

Pattern of abuse

During the hearing, the court pointed out that this was not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern across Uttar Pradesh. The judges remarked that police officers were misusing their powers to settle personal scores or to favour one party over another in civil disputes.

'When the police file FIRs in matters that are clearly civil, it amounts to a complete breakdown of the rule of law,' the bench observed. The court added that such practices burden the criminal justice system and cause immense harassment to ordinary citizens.

The Supreme Court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure that police officers act strictly within the law and not convert civil disputes into criminal cases. It also asked the state to take departmental action against officers found guilty of such misconduct.

Legal implications

The apex court's strong remarks come as a warning to law enforcement agencies across the country. Legal experts say that the tendency to file criminal cases in civil matters often stems from pressure from local politicians or influential individuals.

The court has in the past also expressed concern over the misuse of Section 498A of the IPC and other provisions that are frequently used to harass people. In this case, the bench emphasised that the police must exercise restraint and not become a tool for personal vendettas.

The matter has been listed for further hearing after four weeks, during which the Uttar Pradesh government is expected to file a detailed compliance report.

What happens next

The Supreme Court has made it clear that it will not tolerate the abuse of criminal law. The state government must now act swiftly to rein in errant officers and restore confidence in the rule of law.