The Supreme Court of India recently reprimanded the Chhattisgarh Police for allegedly misusing the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to obstruct the bail process for Manish Rathore. The court, while granting Rathore bail, expressed strong disapproval of the police’s actions, emphasizing that the law should not be misapplied to suppress individual rights or delay justice.
Court’s Observations:
During the hearing, the Supreme Court observed that the Chhattisgarh Police had apparently invoked stringent sections of UAPA in an attempt to prevent Rathore from obtaining bail. The judges noted that such a practice not only violates the principles of fair investigation and due process but also raises concerns about the misuse of anti-terror laws against individuals.
Consequences for Police Officials:
Taking a firm stance, the court warned the officers involved that they could face contempt of court charges if such misuse of power continued. It reminded law enforcement agencies that UAPA, a strict anti-terror legislation, should only be applied in cases where there is credible evidence of terrorist or unlawful activities, not as a tool for harassment or wrongful detention.