The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded the Madhya Pradesh government and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for their delay in suspending two police officers accused in a custodial death case. The officers, who have been absconding since April, were only suspended on September 24, 2025, prompting the court to question the authorities' commitment to upholding justice.

The case involves the death of a 24-year-old man in police custody, and the court had previously transferred the investigation to the CBI in May 2025. The victim's mother filed a contempt petition, alleging non-compliance with the court's order and accusing the local police of attempting to cover up the incident.

During the hearing, the bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of prompt action, stating, "You say they are absconding since April. This means you are protecting them. Now this is really contempt." The CBI informed the court that efforts to trace the officers, including tracking financial transactions and vehicles, had been unsuccessful.

The Supreme Court has directed the Madhya Pradesh government and the CBI to provide a detailed explanation for the delay and has warned of contempt proceedings if satisfactory answers are not provided.