HC questions frequent transfers off officers in Uttar Pradesh

The Allahabad High Court has sought an explanation from the Uttar Pradesh government on "frequent transfers" of officials in the state, noting that these were adversely affecting smooth administration of justice, tantamount to "criminal contempt" and having a negative impact on law and order situation.
Justice Rajesh Dayal Khare passed the order yesterday while hearing a contempt petition of Rahul alias Shahrukh, against whom an FIR was lodged at Kotwali police station of Etawah district under IPC sections relating to kidnapping and compelling a woman for marriage.
The court had stayed criminal proceedings against the applicant vide order dated July 14.

However, district authorities proceeded with the case and went on to affix a notice of the proceedings on the premises of the petitioner following which he moved the court again with a contempt petition.
The court was told that the Senior Superintendent of Police, whom notice had been issued on the previous date of hearing in September, has since been transferred.
Allowing the impleadment application for issuing notice to the newly-appointed SSP of the district, the court noted with dismay "most of the court's time was being spent in only allowing the impleadment applications and the matter was not being proceeded with on account of such frequent transfers of officers".

The court observed that there were instances of police and administrative officers being transferred "6 to 8 times in a year" and asked the state government file an affidavit, within three weeks, giving the "justification for such frequent transfers".
The court fixed December 8 as the next date of hearing in the matter.