Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has raised serious concerns over UP Police investigation delays, observing that many criminal investigations across Uttar Pradesh remain pending for months and even years.
The Court criticised the alleged inaction of Investigating Officers (IOs) and directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Uttar Pradesh, to explain how such delays can be prevented. The Bench has also asked the government to consider fixing investigation deadlines and taking action against officers who fail to complete investigations on time.
Allahabad High Court Questions UP Police Investigation Delays
A Division Bench of Justice Abdul Moin and Justice Pramod Kumar Srivastava expressed concern over the growing number of cases involving delayed police investigations.
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The observations came while hearing a criminal writ petition filed by Deepak Kumar, who sought the transfer of a murder investigation to an independent agency.
The petitioner requested that the investigation be handed over to the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) or a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The Court observed that complainants are repeatedly approaching courts because investigations into registered FIRs are not being completed within a reasonable period.
It further remarked that the problem does not appear to be limited to one district and may be affecting police investigations across Uttar Pradesh. However, the Bench clarified that this was not its final opinion on the issue.
What Happened In The Sultanpur Murder Case
The case relates to an FIR registered on November 24, 2024, at Jaisinghpur Police Station in Sultanpur district.
The FIR involved alleged murder-related offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
According to the petitioner, the police submitted a chargesheet on April 21, 2025. However, the Additional Civil Judge (Junior Division)/Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sultanpur, was not satisfied with the investigation.
On February 21, 2026, the concerned court directed the police to conduct further investigation through the Circle Officer or another Circle Officer. Despite this direction, the investigation remained incomplete.
The Allahabad High Court noted that more than eight months had passed since the order for further investigation, but the police had still not submitted the required report.
The State Government also informed the High Court that the matter was still under investigation.
UP Police Investigation Delays: Court Refers To Section 193 Of BNSS
While examining the issue, the High Court referred to Section 193 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
This provision deals with the police report submitted after the completion of an investigation.
The Court highlighted that Section 193(1) requires every investigation to be completed without unnecessary delay.
Although the law does not prescribe a fixed completion deadline for every type of criminal investigation, it clearly requires police officers to avoid unnecessary delays.
Two-Month Deadline For Certain Offences
The Court also explained that Section 193(2) provides a two-month deadline for investigations involving specified sexual offences under the BNS and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, this specific two-month deadline does not apply to every criminal investigation.
The Bench stressed that the absence of a fixed deadline for other offences does not give investigating authorities the freedom to keep cases pending indefinitely.
Police Must Inform Complainants About Investigation Progress Within 90 Days
Another important issue highlighted by the High Court was the responsibility of police officers to keep complainants and victims informed. Under Section 193(3) of the BNSS, police officers must communicate the progress of an investigation to the informant or victim within 90 days.
The provision also requires information about the action taken to be communicated to the person who first provided information about the offence.
The Court further referred to Rule 19 of the Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Rules, 2024. Under this rule, investigation updates can be communicated through SMS, email, other appropriate electronic methods or post.
The Bench observed that complainants should not be forced to repeatedly approach police stations and courts just to know the status of their cases.
High Court Calls For Action Against Officers Responsible For Investigation Delays
The Bench expressed concern over repeated instances of delayed investigations and called for stronger administrative action.
It observed that senior authorities must step in and develop clear procedures to ensure that investigations are completed within a reasonable time.
The Court also suggested that the government should consider punitive action against Investigating Officers who fail to complete investigations within specified time limits.
The observations highlight the need for better supervision, accountability and timely communication between police authorities and complainants.
ACS Home Directed To File Personal Affidavit Within Three Weeks
Taking note of the issue, the Allahabad High Court directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Uttar Pradesh, to submit a personal affidavit within three weeks. The affidavit must explain:
- Whether a specific time frame can be introduced for completing police investigations.
- What alternative steps can be taken if fixing a common deadline is not possible.
- How prolonged investigation delays can be addressed.
- How many cases in Sultanpur district involved communication of investigation progress to complainants or victims under Section 193 of the BNSS.
The Court also warned that if the affidavit is not submitted, the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) will have to appear personally before the Court along with the relevant records. The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 8, 2026.
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FAQs
The Court directed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Uttar Pradesh, to file a personal affidavit within three weeks. The affidavit must explain how investigation delays can be addressed and whether specific deadlines can be introduced.
The Allahabad High Court questioned UP Police over prolonged investigation delays, observing that several criminal cases remain pending for months or years. It asked senior state authorities to develop measures to improve investigation timelines and accountability.
Section 193(3) of the BNSS requires police officers to inform the complainant or victim about the progress of an investigation within 90 days. The information can be communicated through electronic means or other prescribed methods.
