The Supreme Court of India has taken a significant step by sending a notice to the Uttar Pradesh Government regarding a plea challenging the decision of the Allahabad High Court. The high court had earlier rejected the plea for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into an incident involving an alleged custodial death in the state.
In response to the plea filed by Hemant Soni, a bench comprising justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah issued the notice on Friday. The court directed the Uttar Pradesh government and other relevant parties to respond within a span of two weeks, as stated in the order issued on August 25.
Represented by advocate Raahul Trivedi, the petitioner Hemant Soni argued before the apex court that the case pertains to the alleged “custodial death” of his brother in the district of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Soni underscored his efforts to seek justice by pursuing a fair trial conducted by an independent investigative body such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Detailing the incident, the petition highlighted that the case revolves around the reported brutal treatment and torture of Ajay Soni during the night of September 25 and 26, 2021, in Jhansi. Tragically, Ajay Soni subsequently lost his life in police custody in November, due to severe injuries and inadequate medical attention, as documented in the petition.
The plea presented a challenge to the order issued by the Allahabad High Court in March of the current year. The high court’s decision dismissed the petition that sought an appropriate directive for a competent and impartial investigating agency to handle the case.
This development underscores the growing scrutiny and demand for impartial and thorough investigations into alleged custodial deaths, as well as the ongoing efforts to ensure that justice is served and the rights of individuals are protected. As the legal process unfolds, the Supreme Court’s intervention signals a pivotal moment in the pursuit of truth and accountability in this case.