Supreme Court Stays Allahabad High Court’s Adverse Remarks Against UP ACS Sanjay Prasad in Police Reforms Row

The Supreme Court on Thursday (11 June) stayed key portions of an Allahabad High Court judgment that had made adverse observations against Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, IAS, and directed that its findings be considered while assessing his suitability for future government assignments.

A Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Atul Chandurkar passed the interim order while hearing an appeal filed by Prasad against the High Court's June 3 judgment.

Background of the Case

The controversy arose from a habeas corpus petition filed by Megha Raikwar seeking the recovery of her minor daughter, who was allegedly taken away by a man. During the proceedings, the Allahabad High Court examined the police investigation and found shortcomings in the manner in which the case had been handled.

Justice Vinod Diwakar also reviewed the State government's compliance with directions issued in the earlier Subhash Chandra v. State of Uttar Pradesh judgment, which had laid down guidelines aimed at improving the quality and accountability of criminal investigations.

The High Court noted that despite the passage of several months, there was no material before it showing effective implementation of those directions across the State.

While examining affidavits filed by the Home Department, the High Court expressed concern over the State's stand that it intended to challenge the Subhash Chandra judgment before the Supreme Court.

The court observed that no challenge had been pursued for a considerable period after the judgment was delivered and questioned the delay in seeking appellate remedies.

In its order, the High Court stated that Sanjay Prasad's conduct “prima facie reflects a deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine the authority of this Court.”

Justice Diwakar further observed that resistance to measures intended to strengthen police accountability could affect the effective implementation of judicial directions concerning criminal investigations and police reforms.

Challenging these observations and consequential directions, Prasad approached the Supreme Court.

After hearing the matter on June 11, 2026, the Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Atul Chandurkar stayed the Allahabad High Court's directions, including the recommendation that the judgment be forwarded to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) for consideration during future assessments of the officer.

The matter will now proceed before the Supreme Court for further consideration.

Case Title: Sanjay Prasad v. Megha Raikwar