Background:
- Allahabad High Court has summoned two police officers for placing a 70-year-old lawyer, Mahatab Singh, under house arrest.
- The incident occurred during an administrative judge’s visit to the District and Sessions Court in Agra.
Police Action:
- The police served Singh a notice under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
- Singh was detained in his house from 6 am to 4 pm, despite having to appear in 15 cases before the Sessions Division that day.
High Court’s Observation:
- The court found the police action to be unjustified and potentially a violation of Singh’s rights.
- The court noted that visits of administrative judges to district courts are routine and should not be used as a reason to restrict a lawyer’s movement.
Court’s Direction:
- The court has called upon the Commissioner of Police of Agra to file a personal affidavit explaining the rationale and justification for the police action.
- The Deputy Commissioner of Police and the concerned police official who led to the action against Singh have also been summoned to appear before the court.
