Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 4: The Supreme Court of India has issued a show cause notice and summoned senior Bihar police officer Ashok Mishra, currently Superintendent of Police (G), Special Branch, for submitting an affidavit that appeared to support an accused in a criminal case — a move the Court called “most casual” and “prejudicial to the rule of law.”

A Bench led by Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and S.V.N. Bhatti expressed strong displeasure with Mishra’s conduct, particularly as the crime in question had led to a conviction after investigation by the Bihar Police itself.

Mishra, who was the Superintendent of Police in Samastipur at the time of the case, was impleaded by the Court on May 19 and asked to personally explain his position. His written response, submitted ahead of the August 1 hearing, blamed the misleading affidavit content on "inadvertence/oversight" and included an unconditional apology.

However, the Court rejected the explanation. “If this is the seriousness shown by a senior officer towards this Court, one can well understand the approach towards other Courts,” the Bench remarked sharply.

The judges further noted that Mishra’s conduct undermined the interests of the State and the justice system, and concluded that an apology alone was insufficient. The Court warned that it may take "a strict view of the matter" and ordered Mishra to appear in person on August 19.

The case underscores the judiciary's expectation of accountability and integrity from senior law enforcement officials, especially in matters involving judicial proceedings and sworn affidavits.