Ensure time-bound probe, speedup filing of chargesheets: DGP | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Director general of police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna on Tuesday issued strict directions to all police commissioners, SPs and SSPs to ensure time-bound and evidence-based investigations, and file chargesheets and final reports promptly in courts.In a circular, the DGP noted that despite repeated instructions, the compliance has not been effective. “Non-compliance creates an embarrassing situation for the state in courts, undermining the govt’s case,” the circular said.The directive comes in the backdrop of the Allahabad high court’s order dated Oct 1, 2024, in Mahesh vs State of UP & Others case. Following the order, a high-level review meeting was held on Oct 20, 2024.During the recent review of monthly reports for June 2025, it was found that a large number of cases were still pending chargesheet or final report submission across the state — a situation the DGP described as “highly objectionable”.The circular specifically referred to provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Section 193(1) mandates that every investigation should be completed without delay, while Section 193(2) prescribes a two-month deadline for offences under sections relating to serious crimes, including those under the POCSO Act.Similarly, under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1995, investigations and filing of chargesheet must be completed within 60 days.The DGP said that delayed investigations compromised victims’ access to justice and allowed the accused to secure bail under statutory provisions.Citing UP Police Regulations, 1861, the circular reiterated that in summons and warrant cases, chargesheets should be filed within four weeks of lodging of FIR, and in sessions cases, within eight weeks. Supervising officers were warned against holding on to chargesheets, and were asked to sign and date reports before forwarding them to courts.To address delays caused by pending forensic or expert reports, the DGP directed senior police leadership to coordinate directly with forensic laboratories and specialist agencies to expedite clearances. He also ordered district-level campaigns to clear pending chargesheets and final reports, and mandated monthly reviews at the zonal and range level.Highlighting the importance of digitisation, the DGP instructed all investigating officers to use CCTNS platform for online case diaries and for filing chargesheets electronically within prescribed timelines.
