Expressing strong disapproval over the non-appearance of UT police officers in court, Justice Rajan Gupta of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Chandigarh, to make sure that officers remain present when required.

UT SSP S S Srivastava was also present in court. Justice Gupta had sought his personal appearance after the consistent non-appearance of police officers in several cases.

Justice Gupta today observed that it was difficult to comprehend the absence of Chandigarh police officers. He remarked that had it been Punjab and Haryana Police officers, one could appreciate the difficulty of distance but not for Chandigarh officers.

Srivastava said: “Efforts are being made to streamline the functioning of the police with regard to assistance provided to the counsel representing the UT in the high court”.

On the other hand, Advocate Anupam Gupta, senior standing counsel for Chandigarh Administration, said he shall discuss the matter with the SSP to streamline a mechanism regarding the appearance of investigating officers.

Recording the statement, the high court granted exemption from personal appearance to SSP Srivastava.