Delhi HC seeks response on plea alleging non-compliance with departmental action direction

A single bench of Justice Mini Pushkarna issued notices to the police officers and directed them to file their responses in the matter.

The plea relates to a writ petition filed in 2024 seeking quashing of an FIR, during the hearing of which the High Court had directed the Delhi Police to initiate departmental action against an Inspector for allegedly failing to complete the investigation for nearly nine years and for not filing a status report regarding the investigation during the pendency of the proceedings.

While dealing with the matter, the High Court had made certain observations regarding the officer's conduct and had directed the Delhi Police and the concerned ACP to initiate a departmental inquiry.

Advocate Ujwal Ghai, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that although the FIR was subsequently quashed by the High Court, the directions concerning departmental action against the officer had allegedly not been complied with.

He further submitted that the State had also undertaken before the court to place on record a complete report regarding the outcome of the disciplinary or departmental proceedings initiated against the officer.

The counsel also referred to Rule 13(2) of the Delhi Police (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1980, submitting that the provision contemplates appropriate action where strictures are made by the High Court against the conduct of a police officer.

It was argued that despite the earlier judicial directions and the applicable rules, the petitioner had not been informed of any outcome of the departmental proceedings.

The plea was opposed by counsel appearing for the Delhi Police, who submitted that since the FIR in question had already been quashed, nothing further remained to be considered in the matter.

The High Court, however, proceeded to issue notices to the concerned police officers and directed them to file their affidavits within four weeks. (ANI)