Conversion of civil disputes to criminal cases in U.P. is ‘absurd’, shows complete breakdown of rule of law, says CJI
The Hindu
Chief Justice Khanna criticizes conversion of civil disputes to criminal cases in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting breakdown of law and order.
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Monday (April 7, 2025) found it “absurd” that ordinary civil disputes are being converted to criminal cases “day in and day out in Uttar Pradesh”, reflecting a complete breakdown of the law and order machinery in the State.
“Every day, civil suits are being converted to criminal cases. It is absurd. Disputes over civil issues cannot be turned into offences… There is a complete breakdown of rule of law in Uttar Pradesh. Converting a civil matter into a criminal case is not acceptable,” Chief Justice Khanna, heading a three-judge Bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan, observed.
The remarks came during the hearing of an appeal filed by two men, Debu Singh and Deepak Singh, against an Allahabad High Court decision declining to quash a criminal case filed against them.
The duo who was facing a cheque bounce case suddenly found themselves charge sheeted for criminal offences, including breach of trust, intimidation and criminal conspiracy. Their counsel said the registration of criminal cases was a ploy to reach a speedy resolution as civil disputes take a long time to conclude.
The apex court Bench stayed the criminal proceedings against the two men, but said the case against the dishonoured cheque would continue.
The Chief Justice said the police officer investigating the case should be made to stand in the witness box during trial to explain his move to make a matter of cheque bounce into a criminal case.
“Let the investigating officer stand in the witness box and make out a case of crime. Let him learn his lesson. This is not the way you file chargesheets. It is strange that these things are happening day in and day out in Uttar Pradesh. Lawyers have forgotten there is a civil jurisdiction also,” Chief Justice Khanna said.
Shorts News:Lok Sabha passes Bill to levy a special cess on pan masala
Southern Railway announces special trains and extra coaches to accommodate passengers amid ongoing flight disruptions across the country.
Nara Lokesh shines during Bhamini tour, praised for his educational reforms and efforts to enhance government school standards.
Thousands gathered at Chaityabhoomi, Mumbai, to honor Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on his death anniversary, Mahaparinirvan Din.
Chennai law student arrested for attempting to kidnap a woman after persistent harassment, police successfully rescue the victim.
The House Committee on Homeland Security has asked Google and Apple to detail what steps they are taking to remove mobile applications that allow users to track federal immigration officers.
Join the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025 on December 8-9 to unveil the roadmap for a $3 trillion economy by 2047.
Explore Gauri Shankar Raina's "U-turn and Other Stories," a poignant collection of Kashmiri tales reflecting themes of dispossession and resilience.
Dia Mirza-backed Marathi film ‘Panha’ wins Best Indian Short Film award at ALT EFF
Join our exclusive webinar on December 7 to explore binge behaviors, addictive patterns, and effective coping strategies for families.
Lokayukta Inspector Panchaksharayya Hiremath dies in car crash as his vehicle catches fire after falling into a ditch.
After its IFFR Rotterdam premiere, Nishanth Kalidindi’s Theatre (2025), inspired by Puducherry’s Indianostrum experimental troupe, comes to Kerala
Kerala High Court grants interim protection from arrest to MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in ongoing rape case, pending bail hearing.