79,000 FIRs Pending Investigation In Punjab, 'Shocking': High Court Seeks Action Plan From DGP

Expressing shock at the staggering figure of 79,000 FIRs in Punjab still awaiting logical conclusion in the FIRs despite lapse of statutory period, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought action plan within a period of two weeks from the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab.

Justice Sandeep Moudgil said, "State is called upon to submit an Action Plan within a period of two weeks, which shall depict the date of FIR, the time prescribed under the Court for the completion of investigation and the proposed time frame to conclude the same. The said information shall be furnished by way of an Affidavit of Director General of Police, Punjab."

These observations were made while hearing an application filed by one Saraj, seeking revival of his main petition, which was dismissed in September, 2024, on the assurance given by the Punjab Government to complete the investigation into an attempt to murder FIR registered at the Sadar Ferozepur police station within one month.

In pursuance of Court's direction Ferozepur Senior Superintendent of Police Saumya Mishra filed an affidavit, perusing the same the High Court, said “no explanation for why the investigation was delayed and a challan was not filed so far in the FIR registered way back on July 16, 2021”.

While noting the delay in investigation, the Court last month had directed the DGP to provide details of all FIRs pending within the State of Punjab where investigations have not been completed within the prescribed statutory period.

The affidavits included a district-wise breakdown of FIRs, revealing that over 10,000 FIRs in the State are still pending investigation, despite the lapse of the prescribed 90-days period within which the Investigating Agency is required to submit a final report, the Court noted.

The State also submitted on record that 79,000 FIRs are pending in similar circumstances, where the stipulated period for submitting the final report has already expired.

The matter is listed for January 30, for further consideration.

Mr. Beant Singh, Advocate for the applicant/petitioner.

Mr. A.D.S. Sukhija, Addl. AG, Punjab.

Title: SARAJ v. STATE OF PUNJAB AND ANOTHER

Click here to read/download the order