SC Bars Fresh FIRs by UP Police Against Couple Alleging Harassment
- ByAdmin --
- 31 May 2025 --
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The Supreme Court of India recently intervened in a case involving allegations of police harassment, barring the Uttar Pradesh Police from registering any fresh First Information Reports (FIRs) against a couple who had approached the court citing repeated and unjustified persecution. The judgment underscores the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights and ensuring accountability in the actions of law enforcement agencies.
Background of the Case
The couple had filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, claiming that the Uttar Pradesh Police were filing multiple frivolous FIRs against them, amounting to harassment. According to their plea, the police’s actions were not only causing mental agony but also infringing upon their fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.
The petitioners argued that the series of FIRs were an abuse of process of law and sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to put an end to the cycle of harassment.
Supreme Court’s Observations
In delivering its judgment, the Supreme Court highlighted several key points:
- Protection from Arbitrary State Action: The court emphasized that the filing of multiple FIRs on similar allegations violates the principle of natural justice and the right to equality (Article 14).
- Judicial Oversight: The bench remarked that while the police have a statutory duty to investigate crimes, such powers must not be misused to target individuals without substantive evidence.
- Fundamental Rights: The bench reiterated that repeated harassment through frivolous FIRs infringes on the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21.
- Limitations on State Power: The judgment also highlighted Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which empowers courts to quash FIRs to prevent the abuse of process and secure justice.
Legal Provisions and Precedents
The court’s ruling draws on several legal principles and past judgments:
- Article 32: The right to approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights.
- Article 14: Ensuring equality before the law and preventing arbitrary actions by the state.
- Article 21: Protecting the right to life and personal liberty.
- Section 482, CrPC: Empowering High Courts to intervene and quash FIRs to prevent injustice.
- T.T. Antony vs State of Kerala (2001): The Supreme Court ruled that multiple FIRs on the same cause of action are impermissible.
- Lalita Kumari vs State of Uttar Pradesh (2014): This case laid down guidelines for the registration of FIRs, emphasizing the necessity of prima facie evidence.
Significance of the Judgment
- Check on Police Powers: The judgment reaffirms the judiciary’s role as a guardian against the misuse of state machinery.
- Upholding Fundamental Rights: By barring fresh FIRs, the court has sent a strong message that harassment in the guise of legal proceedings will not be tolerated.
- Strengthening Judicial Oversight: This case underscores the importance of judicial review in curbing arbitrary state actions.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to bar fresh FIRs against the couple serves as a crucial reminder of the checks and balances embedded in India’s constitutional framework. It underscores the judiciary’s pivotal role in protecting citizens’ rights against misuse of power by law enforcement agencies. The judgment reinforces that legal tools should not be weaponized to harass individuals, ensuring that justice prevails in a fair and equitable manner.
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