Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 12: The Supreme Court has sharply criticised the Kerala Police for failing to register a formal FIR despite receiving a complaint through post, and has summoned the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Ernakulam district, to personally explain the lapse before the court.
A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan observed that the affidavit submitted by the Kerala government in response to an earlier direction was “thoroughly unsatisfactory” as it did not address the central issue raised by the court.
The bench noted that the police had acknowledged receiving the complaint sent by post on January 8, yet no FIR was formally registered thereafter.
Expressing concern over the omission, the court directed the ACP of Ernakulam district to appear in person on May 15, 2026, and clarify why no immediate action was taken after the complaint was received.
The apex court also extended the interim protection granted earlier to the petitioner in connection with FIR No.10 of 2026 registered at Panangad Police Station in Ernakulam City. The protection bars coercive action against the petitioner, provided he continues to cooperate with the investigation and trial proceedings.
During an earlier hearing held on April 2, the Supreme Court had questioned the Kerala Police regarding allegations that a complaint lodged by a co-accused in the same case had not been acted upon. The complaint reportedly involved allegations of outraging the modesty of a woman from the SC/ST community and was backed by a medical report documenting injuries.
The bench had then expressed surprise that the state’s counter affidavit failed to address the issue despite repeated references in the pleadings.
Highlighting the broader significance of the matter, the Supreme Court observed that such alleged police inaction could erode public confidence in law enforcement agencies, especially when complaints are supported by evidence.
The court further warned that if negligence or dereliction of duty by officials is ultimately established, it would take a strict view of the matter.