“Matter Of Serious Concern”: Allahabad HC Directs CBI To Inquire About Alleged Back Dated Photos Issued By Photo Identification Centre Of HC
The Allahabad High Court has directed the CBI to inquire into allegations of back-dated photos issued by the Photo Identification Centre of the High Court, calling the issue a “matter of serious concern.”
It was alleged that the software which was used at the Photo Identification Centre (Centre) could edit the particulars of the verification photo issued by it.
A Single Bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh observed, “This Court feels that if above noted submissions of learned counsel for the complainant are correct, then it is a matter of serious concern and in case this practice is allowed to continue, then several persons who are accused or involved in heinous crime may take undue advantage of this system, hence before passing final order in the matter, it would be appropriate to get the said plea of alibi of the revisionist and allegations of the complainant inquired by the independent agency, so that correct facts about the genuineness / authenticity of the above documents and allegations may be elicitted on record.”
Advocate Manoj Kumar appeared for the revisionist, while Advocate Sunil Kumar Singh represented the opposite parties.
It was submitted before the Court that allegedly upon spending money, a photo of any person could be taken/clicked on back date and time at Centre. Emphasis was given by submitting that there was a gang of people at the Centre who was involved in such type of work by taking huge amount from the people/litigants.
The High Court stated that since the Centre was under the control of the High Court Bar Association, its Secretary was called to assist the Court in the matter earlier and was orally directed to make an enquiry on his level.
The Secretary submitted the allegation that the date could be changed by the software were not established. However, he also submitted that since the issue involved in the case was serious, therefore, CBI. enquiry should be done.
The Court stated that if the alleged practice was allowed to continue, then several persons who were accused or involved in heinous crime may take undue advantage of this system.
Consequently, the Court directed, “Accordingly, the Joint Director, Central Bureau of Investigation, Lucknow is directed to depute any officer to conduct inquiry in the matter and submit report before this Court by the next date in a sealed cover.”
Accordingly, the High Court listed the matter for further hearing on November, 4th 2024.
Cause Title: Gurendra @ Golu v. State of U.P. & Anr.
Appearance:
Revisionist: Advocates Manoj Kumar and Sudhakar Yadav
Opposite Parties: Advocates Sunil Kumar Singh and Rajneesh Kumar Sharma