Allahabad High Court Criticizes UP Government and Police for Justice Delays

The Allahabad High Court has strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh state government and police for significant delays in justice delivery and massive case backlogs in district courts. Quoting the famous dialogue 'Tarikh pe Tarikh' from the film Damini, Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal observed that judicial officers are hindered by insufficient staff, lack of police cooperation, and delayed forensic reports. The remarks were made while rejecting a bail plea in a murder case where investigators failed to conduct DNA testing on evidence. The court highlighted systemic failures, including shortages in forensic laboratories and inadequate security for judges, which emboldens criminals. Noting that nearly half of UP ministers face criminal charges, the bench directed the state government to address these structural deficiencies. Specific directives included making the Forensic Science Laboratory an autonomous department, filling staff vacancies, and considering personal security for all district judges. The judgment copy was ordered to be placed before Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for necessary action, emphasizing that the burden of delayed justice lies primarily with the executive and police rather than the judiciary.