New Delhi: The Supreme Court has come down heavily on Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, for adopting a “very casual approach” towards its earlier orders.
A bench, comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prasanna B Varale, issued a contempt of court show-cause notice to the DGP on December 1 for his failure to comply with the judicial directives, while hearing an appeal concerning the identification of a pickup van allegedly involved in a 2017 fatal road accident.
On March 6, the apex court had specifically directed the DGP to personally ensure a thorough investigation into the ownership and insurance status of the vehicle involved in the accident. However, the DGP delegated the task to a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of the CID, Crime Branch. The report subsequently filed by the DSP was found to be superficial: no new investigation was conducted, and critical information sought from the insurance company was completely overlooked, the Live Law reported.
The court also found the explanation offered by the state counsel unsatisfactory and directed the DGP to submit a personal affidavit, affirmed by himself, before the next date of hearing, explaining why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him, it added.
