The Allahabad High Court has strongly criticised the functioning of a police station in Uttar Pradesh, observing that police stations are becoming centres of business activities instead of maintaining law and order.

Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal made the observation while hearing a petition filed by Harendra Yadav, whose truck was blacklisted by the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) in Ballia due to an ownership dispute.

The Court directed the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to investigate allegations that a constable posted at Rasra police station in Ballia was running a transport business. It also ordered the DGP to file a report before the Court within 10 days explaining the action taken.

The Court further directed the DGP and the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) to begin disciplinary proceedings against all police officials and constables posted at Rasra police station.

The dispute arose after the ARTO blacklisted Yadav's truck based on a report submitted by a sub-inspector. The report related to a disagreement over the truck's ownership between Yadav and police constable Santosh Kumar.

During the hearing, the constable admitted that he had withdrawn money from his General Provident Fund (GPF) and started a transport business with Yadav in the name of his brother. The truck was purchased under this arrangement and was being operated by Yadav.

The High Court noted that the truck was blacklisted only because of the sub-inspector's report. It also pointed out that the Ballia Superintendent of Police had not taken any action against the constable for allegedly running a private business while serving in the police force.

Expressing concern, the Court said it was shocking that police stations appeared to be turning into places for commercial activities. It observed that if police personnel remain busy with private businesses, maintaining law and order would become impossible.

The Court also noted that the officer in charge of Rasra police station and the Ballia Superintendent of Police seemed to have supported the constable by sending a favourable report to the ARTO, which led to the truck being blacklisted and its transfer being stopped.

Finding the allegations serious, the Court ordered a detailed inquiry into the functioning of Rasra police station and directed disciplinary action against the officials concerned.

The matter will next be heard on August 11.