New Delhi: In a strongly worded order, the Supreme Court of India has summoned senior Bihar IPS officer Ashok Mishra, currently posted as Superintendent of Police (G), Special Branch, to appear in person on August 19, after finding his conduct “prejudicial to the interest of the State and the rule of law.”
Mishra had earlier submitted an affidavit in the apex court supporting the accused in a criminal case, despite the fact that the crime had been registered and prosecuted by the Bihar Police, ultimately leading to a conviction.
“Most Casual Manner”: Supreme Court Slams Officer’s Attitude
A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and S.V.N. Bhatti pulled up the officer for filing the affidavit in what it called a “most casual manner.”
The affidavit was submitted as part of a counter filed by the Bihar government on April 4, 2025, but its content — supportive of the accused — raised red flags. The court questioned how a serving officer of the same force that investigated and prosecuted the case could appear to take a position in favor of the convict.
Personal Affidavit, Apology Fail to Satisfy Court
Mishra, who was the Superintendent of Police in Samastipur at the time of the incident, was impleaded as a respondent in the matter and asked to submit a personal affidavit explaining his position. When the case was heard again on August 1, the court reviewed his explanation, in which he termed the controversial portions an “inadvertent oversight” and extended an unconditional apology.
However, the bench rejected this explanation, remarking:
“If this is the seriousness shown by a senior officer towards this Court, one can well understand the approach towards other Courts.”
The court stated that an apology was not sufficient, and decided to take judicial notice of the officer’s actions.
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Show Cause Notice Issued
Taking serious note of the matter, the top court issued a show cause notice to IPS Ashok Mishra asking him to explain why strict action should not be taken against him.
“We put Mr. Ashok Mishra, I.P.S., on notice and issue show cause to him to explain to us as to why this Court may not take a strict view of the matter and pass appropriate orders against him,” the order stated.
Mishra has been directed to appear personally before the Court on August 19, 2025.
