High Court Imposes Fine on UP Government for Unwarranted Investigation in Kidnapping Case

In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has fined the Uttar Pradesh government ₹75,000 for pursuing an unwarranted investigation in a kidnapping case. The court highlighted that the alleged victim had voluntarily left to meet her daughter, contradicting the basis for the ongoing inquiry. The decision came after a petition from Ummed Khan, who was wrongfully detained. The court ordered his release and criticized the police for ignoring the victim's clear statement. This case raises important questions about the legal processes and the treatment of individuals in custody.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 5, 2025, 10:41 IST

Court's Ruling on Unjust Investigation

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has imposed a fine of ₹75,000 on the Uttar Pradesh government for continuing an unnecessary investigation in a kidnapping case.

The court noted that the alleged victim had testified before a magistrate, stating that she had willingly gone to Delhi to meet her daughter, yet the investigation persisted.

This ruling was made by a division bench comprising Justice Abdul Moid and Justice Babita Rani, in response to a petition filed by Ummed alias Ubaid Khan and others. The petitioners sought the cancellation of an FIR registered under Section 140 (kidnapping for murder) of the Indian Penal Code in the Matera police station area of Bahraich district.

The court ordered that out of the imposed fine, ₹50,000 should be awarded to the petitioner Ummed, who was arrested on September 18, 2025, and has been in custody since. The remaining ₹25,000 will be allocated to the High Court's legal services committee.

According to the court, the woman was recovered during the investigation and presented before a judicial magistrate on September 19, 2025. In her statement, she indicated that she left home of her own accord due to domestic violence from her husband. She denied any allegations related to conversion or kidnapping.

The court emphasized that despite the woman's clear statement, the police continued the investigation and kept Ummed in jail, which was deemed inappropriate and unlawful. The bench stated that there was no justification for continuing the investigation when the woman did not support the allegations made in the FIR.

The court remarked that Ummed was unnecessarily detained based on a false FIR, and subsequently quashed the case registered on September 13, 2025. Furthermore, the court ordered his immediate release unless he was wanted in any other case.