Police probe very poor in IT offences; circulation of indecent videos a major menace: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court recently observed that circulation of indecent videos on social media is a major menace which is degrading society [Suraj v State]..Justice Ajay Bhanot added that the police authorities must ensure the highest proficiency while investigating such offences. ."Circulation of indecent videos on social media is a major menace which is degrading our society. It is imperative that the police authorities shall ensure highest proficiency in investigations," the order stated. .However, the Court went on to observe that the quality of investigations conducted by the Uttar Pradesh (UP) police in such matters appeared to be lacking."Unfortunately, this Court is finding that the quality of investigations of U.P. Police in such matters is very weak which will ultimately start making social collision," the Court said. .The observation was made while considering a bail plea filed by a man who was accused of circulating obscene videos of a woman on social media.The Court found that despite witness statements confirming the circulation of such videos of the victim on social media, the State police was unsuccessful in retrieving the incriminating videos.This prompted the Court to examine the larger issue of whether police investigations in such cases were proficient. "Appropriate instructions should be issued to the senior police officials of the districts to ensure that quality supervision is made in cases in order to raise the proficiency of investigation," the Court directed..The Court ordered that the Director General of Police (DGP) to adopt immediate measures to remove any deficiency in the functioning of the police force when it comes to dealing with such offences. The Court also expressed concern that such directions by the Court are not being complied with and that the police have failed to raise standards of proficiency when it comes to investigating Information Technology (IT) related offences..Thus, the Court directed the Government Advocate to present a copy of the order to the DGP and the Uttar Pradesh government so that appropriate measures are taken by the UP police to address the following aspects:Poor quality of investigation and supervision.Poor proficiency of police investigators dealing with IT related offences..The matter will be heard next on November 20. Advocate Siddharth Singh appeared for the bail applicant..[Read Order]