SC seeks response on plea to lift stay on encounter order

The Supreme Court on Monday posted the hearing for July 31 on a plea seeking lifting of stay on the Andhra Pradesh High Court verdict making it mandatory for registration of FIR against policemen causing death to any person during discharge of official duties including encounters.

The Supreme Court on Monday posted the hearing for July 31 on a plea seeking lifting of stay on the Andhra Pradesh High Court verdict making it mandatory for registration of FIR against policemen causing death to any person during discharge of official duties including encounters.

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The apex court, which had issued notices to Andhra Pradesh government and the state police officers association on May 15, granted them a week's time to file a response to the application by Andhra Pradesh Civil Liberties Committee (APCLC) on whose petition the High Court had passed the direction.

During the hearing, a Bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan said the present direction is "drastic".

"Here it is said that in every encounter, a case should be registered. That is a problem," the Bench, also comprising Justices P Sathasivam and JM Panchal observed.

"In fake encounter, there will be an inquiry," it said.

The remarks came when senior advocates Fali S Nariman and Rajinder Sachar, appearing for APCLC, submitted there was an urgent need for lifting the stay as different interpretations were being given to the interim order of the apex court.