The Allahabad High Court criticized Prayagraj police officials for the delayed release of a man in an Arms Act case, stating that their actions amounted to contempt of the Supreme Court’s arrest guidelines. The court directed action against the police officials during a hearing of a habeas corpus petition filed by Sachin Arya, also known as Sachin Bhartiya. The petitioner was arrested under the Arms Act, which carries a punishment of two to five years, not meeting the Supreme Court’s arrest criteria.
The court ordered the immediate release of the petitioner without waiting for the official order copy to be supplied to the concerned parties. Despite the presence of the Station House Officer in court, the order was executed nearly 20 hours later, leading the court to question the officials’ respect for the law. The court instructed the Prayagraj Commissioner of Police to take action against the officers and report back within three days.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the delayed compliance, the court demanded a personal affidavit from the Commissioner of Police detailing disciplinary actions taken against the officials and measures to ensure adherence to Supreme Court guidelines. The court, in its final hearing, noted the petitioner’s release and disposed of the petition without granting compensation under the habeas corpus proceedings. However, it allowed the petitioner to seek other legal remedies available.
