Cuttack: The Odisha High Court has expressed serious concern over what it described as a recurring failure by local police stations to comply with judicial directions, and has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania to ensure strict and timely implementation of court orders across the state.
The court observed that repeated non-compliance by police officers leads to unnecessary litigation and forces citizens to approach the High Court for enforcement of orders already issued by subordinate courts.
High Court Calls Issue a “Matter of Serious Concern”
Justice Savitri Ratho noted that the failure of police officials to act on judicial directions results in repeated adjournments in lower courts and increases the burden on the High Court.
The court directed DGP Y B Khurania to instruct all Superintendents of Police, Commissioners, and Station House Officers to ensure prompt compliance with judicial orders, including those issued by magistrates and other judicial authorities.
Case That Triggered Court’s Strong Observations
The directions were issued while disposing of a petition filed by a 65-year-old woman from Nayagarh district, who alleged she was cheated of ₹2.10 lakh in a land deal.
According to her complaint, individuals had promised to execute a registered sale deed but neither completed the transaction nor returned her money.
A Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Ranpur had directed police on August 6 last year to register an FIR and investigate the matter. However, despite repeated reminders, no action was taken for over eight months.
FIR Eventually Registered After Delay
During the hearing, the state informed the High Court that an FIR was finally registered at Ranpur police station on April 24 this year, and the investigation is currently underway.
Although the FIR addressed the immediate grievance, the court examined the reason behind the prolonged delay in implementing the magistrate’s order.
“Order Misplaced” Explanation Rejected by Court
In an affidavit, the Inspector-in-Charge of Ranpur police station stated that the court order had been “misplaced” at the police station and offered an unconditional apology.
However, Justice Ratho observed that such explanations are frequently cited and reflect a systemic issue rather than an isolated incident.
She noted that the High Court regularly receives petitions involving non-compliance of orders passed by magistrates and family courts.
Court Rejects “Stock Excuses” by Police
The court strongly rejected routine justifications offered by police officers, such as misplaced files or recent postings.
Justice Ratho observed:
- Police stations maintain proper registers for court communications
- Official records cannot be casually misplaced
- Such explanations are not acceptable
She emphasized that administrative negligence in handling judicial orders undermines the justice delivery system.
DGP Directed to Issue Statewide Instructions
The High Court directed the Odisha DGP to ensure that all police officers across the state:
- Respond promptly to judicial directions
- Avoid unnecessary delays in FIR registration and investigation
- Maintain accountability in handling court orders
- Prevent litigants from approaching higher courts due to inaction
The court stressed that effective compliance mechanisms are essential to reduce judicial burden and ensure timely justice.
The Odisha High Court’s intervention highlights serious concerns over police accountability and the enforcement of judicial orders in the state. The court’s directions to the top police leadership aim to ensure faster compliance, reduce procedural delays, and strengthen trust in the justice delivery system.
