Allahabad HC Criticises Selective Prosecution Under UP Gangsters Act

The Allahabad High Court strongly criticised the practice of selective prosecution under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. The Court observed that the law is often invoked arbitrarily against select individuals while similarly placed accused are spared, undermining the rule of law. Emphasising equality before law and fairness in criminal prosecution, the Court warned the State against misuse of stringent penal statutes for extraneous considerations and stressed accountability in enforcement decisions.