Private Disputes Turned into Criminal Cases Deeply Concerning; Noida Case Exposes Systemic Failures
New Delhi/Lucknow — In a scathing critique of Uttar Pradesh’s law enforcement machinery, the Supreme Court on Monday stated in unequivocal terms that the rule of law in the state appears to have “completely broken down.” The remarks came during a hearing on a petition related to the alleged criminalisation of a civil money dispute in Noida.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Kumar, and Justice K.V. Viswanathan directed the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh to submit an affidavit within two weeks, explaining the state’s position.
The case in question involves petitioners Debu Singh and Deepak Singh, who challenged an Allahabad High Court decision that had refused to quash an FIR filed against them under IPC Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 120B (criminal conspiracy). The FIR was filed by Noida-based businessman Deepak Behl over a financial dispute.
Although a separate cheque bounce case is also pending against the accused, the Supreme Court chose not to interfere in that matter and allowed it to continue.
Harsh Observations from the Court:
“Something strange and shocking seems to be happening in Uttar Pradesh on a daily basis.”
“Merely not repaying money doesn’t constitute a crime. This is absurd.”
“Have lawyers in UP forgotten that civil courts also exist?”
The bench emphasized that the mere delay in civil litigation does not justify initiating criminal proceedings. Turning private financial disputes into police matters, the court noted, was unacceptable.
The apex court also issued a stern warning to the police, specifically directing the Investigating Officer from Sector-39 Police Station in Noida to appear before the trial court and justify how the matter was deemed criminal in nature.
Chief Justice Khanna added sharply, “The IO needs to be taught a lesson. This is no way to indiscriminately file chargesheets in every case.”
A Bigger Signal?
This isn’t just another courtroom rebuke. The Supreme Court’s remarks expose deep-seated administrative negligence and a growing trend of the criminalisation of civil justice in Uttar Pradesh. It raises uncomfortable questions about whether law enforcement is being used to settle personal scores and bypass civil legal procedures.
The court has now:
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Ordered the UP DGP to file a report within two weeks.
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Directed the Noida police officer to defend their actions in trial court.
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Put a hold on criminal proceedings but allowed the cheque bounce case to proceed.
What Comes Next?
Whether this judicial outcry leads to systemic reform or becomes just another headline remains to be seen. Will the UP police and judiciary take this as an opportunity for introspection? Or will the public once again be left with a fleeting reminder of the court’s frustration?
