The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow Bench has directed the personal appearance of Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad in a contempt case after finding prima facie non-compliance with an earlier judgment directing payment of compensation in a custodial death matter. The Court observed that the previous directions had not been fully implemented and listed the matter for further proceedings, including consideration of framing contempt charges.
Background of the Case
The contempt application was filed under Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, alleging violation of a Division Bench judgment dated February 20, 2026. In that judgment, the High Court had held that the custodial death amounted to a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution and directed the State to pay ₹10 lakh as compensation to the legal heirs of the deceased within three weeks. The Court had also directed the State Government to frame guidelines for determining compensation in custodial death cases.
Court's Observation
Justice Saurabh Lavania examined the allegations of non-compliance and noted that two important directions of the earlier judgment had allegedly remained unfulfilled.
According to the order, the State had not paid the full compensation of ₹10 lakh to the legal heirs of the deceased. The Court also recorded that the guidelines directed by the Division Bench for compensation in custodial death cases had not yet been framed.
Recording its prima facie satisfaction, the Court observed:
“The Officer concerned is liable to be punished in terms of Section 12 of the Act of 1971.”
The Court further noted that the presence of the Principal Secretary (Home) was necessary for the next stage of the contempt proceedings, including the possible framing of charges.
Court's Decision
The High Court directed Shri Sanjay Prasad, Principal Secretary, Home Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to appear in person before the Court on July 31, 2026.
The matter has been listed on that date for further proceedings in the contempt application. The order does not record any final finding of contempt at this stage and limits itself to directing the officer's appearance for continuation of the proceedings.
Case Details
Case Title: P. D. v. Shri Sanjay Prasad, Principal Secretary, Home Department, Lucknow and Others
Case Number: Contempt Application (Civil) No. 2110 of 2026
Judge: Justice Saurabh Lavania
Decision Date: July 24, 2026
