Police Uniform No Shield for Criminal Acts: Allahabad High Court Denies Protection Under Section 197 CrPC

The Allahabad High Court refused to quash proceedings against four Uttar Pradesh police officials accused of assaulting a doctor and his companions.

The Court held that acts beyond the scope of official duties do not attract protection under Section 197 CrPC.

It was observed that a police uniform is not a license to assault innocent citizens, and no sanction is needed for prosecution when acts lack a nexus with official duty.

Noting that the accused were not on patrolling duty and the alleged assault was independent of their official functions, the Court dismissed their petition.