Allahabad HC slams state for using Goonda Act as tool of oppression

The Allahabad High Court has issued a sharp rebuke to the state administration, stating that the Goonda Act is being utilized as a mechanism for oppression rather than maintaining law and order. The bench expressed concern over the District Magistrate’s decision to issue an externment order against an individual, highlighting the arbitrary nature of the action.

In its observations, the court noted that such legal provisions, intended to curb anti-social elements, are often misapplied to silence dissent or target specific individuals without due process. The judges emphasized that the power to externment cannot be exercised capriciously and must adhere to the principles of natural justice.

The ruling serves as a significant check on the executive's power, reminding state authorities that the misuse of special laws undermines the rule of law. The court’s intervention underscores the judiciary's role in protecting citizens from state overreach and ensuring that legal tools are not converted into instruments of harassment.

This development is likely to have broader implications for how the Goonda Act is applied across the state, with legal experts anticipating that similar cases may now face stricter judicial scrutiny.