Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has taken serious note of alleged lapses in FIR registration and directed the Director General of Police (DGP), Uttar Pradesh, Principal Secretary (Home), and the SSP, Bareilly to submit reports explaining the discrepancies and ensuring corrective measures. The matter was heard by Justice Tej Pratap Tiwari in a case of  Shivam Singh vs State of U.P. and another. The applicant was represented by the counsel Rajesh Kumar Verma, while the State was represented by the A.G.A. The application sought quashing of the charge sheet April 17, 2024 and cognisance order  January 15, 2025 passed by the Judicial Magistrate, Bareilly, in Case No. 156 of 2025 arising out of Case Crime No. 354 of 2023 under Sections 498-A and 506 IPC.

Counsel for the applicant argued that the FIR did not disclose any offence under Sections 498-A or 506 IPC and that no valid marriage existed between the parties, making the allegations vague. The State, however, contended that the applicant had established a physical relationship with the complainant on a false promise of marriage and government employment.

The Court observed that the FIR and the victim’s statement prima facie indicated allegations of rape, yet no such charge was invoked, terming it a serious lapse. It further noted material discrepancies between the written complaint and the FIR, observing that while the complaint disclosed rape, the FIR failed to reflect the same, raising doubts about the fairness and correctness of the investigation.

Relying on Ramesh Kumari v. State (NCT of Delhi), the Court reiterated that registration of FIR in cognisable offences is mandatory. Exercising powers under Section 528 BNSS, the Court directed the DGP and Principal Secretary (Home) to develop a mechanism to sensitise police officials. The SSP, Bareilly has been asked to take action against erring officials and explain the lapse. The matter has been listed in the week commencing April 27, 2026 for further hearing along with compliance reports.