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Crime
Allahabad High Court says police fire single shot to hit accused in encounters
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 22 Aug 2026, 07:38 AM
👁 35
The Allahabad High Court observed that police typically fire a single bullet that strikes the accused during encounter incidents, according to a recent judgment.
In a recent judgment, the Allahabad High Court examined the conduct of police during encounter cases. The bench noted that, contrary to popular belief, officers usually fire only one round, which often proves fatal to the alleged offender.
The court's observation was made while reviewing evidence from several recent encounters in Uttar Pradesh, where the use of lethal force has been a subject of public debate. Judges emphasized that the single-shot practice aligns with the principle of proportionality, aiming to neutralize a threat without excessive firing.
Legal experts welcomed the clarification, saying it may help shape future guidelines on police use of force. The ruling does not preclude scrutiny of individual incidents, but it underscores that the standard operating procedure involves a solitary shot aimed at the accused.
The High Court also directed lower courts to consider this practice when evaluating the legality of specific encounters, urging a balanced approach that respects both public safety and the rights of the accused.
The court's observation was made while reviewing evidence from several recent encounters in Uttar Pradesh, where the use of lethal force has been a subject of public debate. Judges emphasized that the single-shot practice aligns with the principle of proportionality, aiming to neutralize a threat without excessive firing.
Legal experts welcomed the clarification, saying it may help shape future guidelines on police use of force. The ruling does not preclude scrutiny of individual incidents, but it underscores that the standard operating procedure involves a solitary shot aimed at the accused.
The High Court also directed lower courts to consider this practice when evaluating the legality of specific encounters, urging a balanced approach that respects both public safety and the rights of the accused.