Supreme Court Ruling: Police Officers Face Action for Revealing Names in History Sheets

In a landmark verdict, Justices Surya Kant and KV Vishwanathan addressed a petition challenging Delhi Police’s declaration of General MLA Amanatullah Khan as a “bad character.” The court warned that any police officer knowingly identifying Khan’s minor sons would face legal repercussions. It emphasized that revealing such information, without adherence to Delhi Police protocols, warrants disciplinary action. Expanding the case’s scope, the Supreme Court directed all Indian state governments to clarify their policies regarding history sheets on criminals. It stressed that these documents, which detail alleged criminals’ cases and their associates, should remain internal and not be disclosed publicly.

The court underscored the importance of regularly reviewing history sheets to remove innocent individuals’ names and details, particularly from marginalized communities. It deemed the practice of recording innocent people’s names as a violation of dignity.

Amanatullah Khan raised concerns over Delhi Police making his family’s history sheet public, asserting it as a politically motivated attack. Last year, Delhi Police labeled him a “bad character” after he obstructed an encroachment removal process. While the Delhi High Court dismissed his petition, it granted him the right to challenge the label’s removal.

Khan’s lawyer accused a rival political party’s spokesperson of sharing a replica of his confidential history sheet on social media to tarnish his reputation. The proposal to declare Khan a “bad character” originated from Jamia Nagar police station and was approved in March 2022, citing 18 registered FIRs against him.

In a separate matter, the Supreme Court declined relief to Amanatullah Khan in a money laundering case dating from 2018 to 2022. He faces allegations of irregularities during his tenure as Chairman of Delhi Waqf Board, including misappropriation of board properties and improper employee appointments. Despite repeated summons, Khan had failed to appear before the Enforcement Directorate, prompting the court’s decision.

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