In the pursuit of justice, there are times when the system faces resistance, but it’s in those very moments that courts remind us of the importance of accountability. Recently, the Bombay High Court made it clear that defying its orders is not an option. The case involves the tragic death of a young man in an alleged “fake encounter,” and the Bombay High Court has given the Maharashtra Police a hard-hitting reminder that justice must be served, no matter the hurdles.

The Heartbreaking Case

The case itself is heart-wrenching. On September 23, 2024, a young man, accused in a sensitive school sexual assault case, tragically lost his life. His parents allege that their son was wrongfully killed while in police custody. Seeking justice for their son’s untimely death, the family approached the Bombay High Court. Their plea was simple: that the truth be uncovered and those responsible held accountable.

Bombay High Court Strong Directive for Justice

On April 7, 2025, the Bombay High Court, in a remarkable show of judicial determination, ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the actions of five police officers allegedly involved in the fake encounter. Justice was not just a formality, it was a demand. The SIT, headed by Joint Commissioner of Police Lakhmi Gautam, was tasked with the responsibility of investigating the matter thoroughly.

Non-Compliance and the Bombay High Court Stern Response

Yet, despite this clear directive, the Maharashtra Police failed to comply. The SIT was not provided the necessary materials, and as time passed, it became evident that the instructions issued by the Bombay High Court were being ignored. This non-compliance led to frustration and disappointment, and rightly so.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate and Amicus Curiae Manjula Rao informed the Bombay High Court that the police had failed to follow through with its orders. The documents related to the case were still not with the SIT, despite repeated requests. This failure to comply with the Court’s directive prompted the bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale to issue a stern warning.

A Strong Message for Accountability

The Justices pointed out that the mere filing of an SLP, with no stay granted on the order, did not change the fact that their directive was still in effect. Justice Gokhale expressed deep concern, describing the situation as a “brazen violation” of the Court’s authority. She also hinted at the potential for criminal contempt proceedings if the police continued to defy the Court’s instructions.

As emotions ran high, the bench summoned both SIT head Lakhmi Gautam and the concerned State CID officer to appear before the Bombay High Court for an explanation. The Bombay High Court made it abundantly clear that any further non-compliance would not be tolerated.

Hope for Justice

The family who had sought justice for their son found themselves amid a legal battle that seemed to stretch on without end. Yet, the Bombay High Court’s intervention shows that there is still hope. In a world where corruption and indifference sometimes prevail, this case serves as a reminder that the law will not always turn a blind eye.

As the case continues, one can only hope that the determination shown by the Bombay High Court will inspire others in the system to follow suit. For the family of the deceased, this is a fight for more than just justice, it’s about ensuring that no other parent suffers the same fate, that no other person is wrongfully taken from their loved ones in the name of law and order.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the events surrounding the Badlapur ‘fake encounter’ case as reported by various news sources. All opinions and views expressed are those of the author and are intended for informational purposes only.

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