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The Allahabad High Court on Monday directed the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Mukul Goel to appear in person before the court on April 21, 2022, in connection with a contempt plea in a compassionate appointment case.

The bench of Saral Srivastava passed the order noting that "he may be apprised of the state of affairs of his department and reckless approach of the officers of the department in not complying with the orders of Writ Court."

One Alok Kumar had moved the high court with a contempt plea in the year 2018 alleging that in violation of the December 2017 order of the high court, the UP Police Department failed to consider his claim for compassionate appointment in accordance with rules as applicable prior to U.P. Sub Inspector and Inspector (Civil Police) Service Rules, 2015 within a period of two months.

Kumar had claimed that though he was entitled to a compassionate appointment which was acknowledged by the opposite parties, yet, he had not been issued any appointment letter.

Thereafter, on March 4, 2022, holding that prima facie a case for contempt was made out, the Court had directed Dr. Rakesh Shanker, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Establishment) U.P. Police Headquarter, Prayagraj to appear in person on April 4, 2022 (Monday) to show cause as to why charge may not be framed against him for not complying with the order of Writ Court.

However, on Monday, Court was informed that DIG (Establishment), Prayagraj retired on March 31, 2021, and no officer has been appointed on the said post by the State government.

Therefore, penning down the disappointment that State has not cared to file an affidavit to inform the Court that the DIG (Establishment), Prayagraj retired, Court directed the DGP, UP to appear in person on the next date of hearing.

Court said, "This Court finds unable to condone the conduct of opposite party in not filing compliance affidavit and not complying with the order of Writ Court in letter and spirit, and in such view of fact, this Court is compelled to call upon the Directo General of Police, UP, Lucknow."

As earlier, DIG, UP was not a party to the matter, therefore, Court also permitted Kumar to implead Mukul Goel, Director General of Police, UP, Lucknow as opposite party no.2 in the array of party.

Case Title: Alok Kumar v. Rakesh Shankar