Tue Jan 21 22:25:44 UTC 2025: ## Allahabad High Court Orders Uttar Pradesh to Reform Police History Sheet System

**Allahabad, India –** The Allahabad High Court has criticized the Uttar Pradesh Police’s “unfettered” power to create history sheets, essentially blacklisting individuals, based on allegations. In a ruling on January 21, 2025, the court ordered the state government to implement a system with reasoned orders, annual reviews, and opportunities for accused individuals to object.

The ruling stemmed from a petition by four individuals challenging the Noida Police’s creation of history sheets against them. The court noted that the current system, based on pre-independence regulations, violates Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution, guaranteeing equality, freedom, and protection of life and personal liberty. The judges expressed concern over the misuse of the system for personal and political vendettas.

While the state government has issued guidelines for reviewing Class-A history sheets, no such guidelines exist for Class-B sheets, highlighting a major loophole. The High Court has mandated that the state government revise the procedure for opening history sheets, ensuring individuals have the right to object before a senior police official. The court also ordered annual reviews of all existing history sheets, with provisions to close those of individuals subsequently exonerated or acquitted. This aims to remove the lingering effects of unwarranted police surveillance.

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