
Encounter Justice” under the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh and craft a report card that reflects a perspective favorable to the citizens of UP. The aim here is to give justice
Encounter Justice: Good or Bad for UP Citizens?
“Encounter justice”—the term often used to describe police actions resulting in the death or injury of alleged criminals—has been a hallmark of the Yogi Adityanath-led government since 2017. For the average citizen in Uttar Pradesh, this approach has sparked both applause and debate. But let’s look at it through the lens of someone walking the streets of Lucknow, Meerut, or Varanasi: Does it make life better, safer, and more hopeful? Here’s the breakdown.
The Good: A Safer UP
For many in UP, the streets feel different today. The Yogi government’s aggressive stance against crime—backed by over 10,000 police encounters since 2017—has sent a clear message: criminals aren’t untouchable anymore. The numbers tell a story of action: 217 criminals killed, over 7,000 injured, and nearly 20,000 arrested with bounties on their heads, according to UP Police data up to December 2024. For the shopkeeper in Agra or the farmer in Bareilly, this translates to fewer gangsters extorting money or terrorizing villages. The confiscation of illegal properties worth over Rs 14,000 crore under the Gangster Act has hit mafias hard, giving citizens a sense that the law is finally on their side.
Take the bustling markets of Kanpur or the rural roads of Jhansi—people talk about how the fear of dacoits and goons has eased. The government’s “zero tolerance” policy has dismantled criminal networks that once thrived under political patronage. For the common citizen, this isn’t just statistics; it’s the ability to sleep soundly at night or let kids play outside without worry.
The Balance: Justice with Questions
Of course, not everyone sees it as black-and-white. Critics—human rights groups and opposition leaders—raise valid concerns about transparency and fairness. Are all these encounters genuine? The Supreme Court called it a “very serious matter” back in 2020, and some ask if innocents might get caught in the crossfire. For UP citizens, though, the bigger picture often overshadows these doubts. When notorious names like Vikas Dubey or Atiq Ahmed’s gang are taken down, it’s hard not to feel a sense of relief, even if the process isn’t perfect. The government’s recent guidelines (October 2024) mandating videography and ballistic testing of encounter scenes show a step toward accountability—proof they’re listening to the chatter while keeping the crackdown alive.
Why It Feels Good for UP
For the people of Uttar Pradesh, “encounter justice” isn’t just about punishment—it’s about reclaiming dignity. Before 2017, UP was mocked as a lawless land, a place where mafias ruled and justice was a distant dream. Today, citizens see a government that’s unafraid to act. It’s not about cheering violence; it’s about celebrating a state that’s shedding its old skin. The woman traveling alone on a late-night bus or the trader opening his shop without paying “protection money” feels the difference. Encounter justice, in their eyes, is less about good or bad and more about survival and pride.
Yogi Govt Report Card: A Citizen’s Take
Here’s a report card crafted with the UP citizen in mind—focusing on what matters to them: safety, growth, and a sense of belonging. Grades reflect the mood on the ground, not just cold data.
1. Law and Order: A+
- Why? The encounter drive, bulldozer actions, and over 78,000 nabbed under the Gangster Act have shrunk the shadow of crime. Citizens feel the change—fewer riots, safer streets, and a police force that’s empowered to act. The 85% crime drop claim might be a stretch (murders down 28% by 2022, per NCRB), but the perception of control is real.
- Citizen Win: “I can walk home from the station without looking over my shoulder,” says a teacher in Lucknow.
2. Infrastructure: A
- Why? From expressways stretching across the state to 21 airports by 2025, UP is connecting like never before. Roads are smoother, cities are brighter, and travel feels less like a battle. The Ganga Expressway and Jewar Airport aren’t just projects—they’re symbols of a state on the move.
- Citizen Win: “My village isn’t cut off anymore; I can reach the city in hours, not days,” beams a farmer from Etawah.
3. Economy and Jobs: B+
- Why? The GDP hitting Rs 26 lakh crore in 2023-24 is impressive, and unemployment’s down from 18% pre-2017 to 4-5%, says Yogi. Over 4.5 lakh jobs created without bias is a solid start. Still, some youth in smaller towns grumble about opportunities lagging behind the hype.
- Citizen Win: “My son got a government job—no bribe, just merit,” smiles a proud mother in Gorakhpur.
4. Social Welfare: A-
- Why? Pensions for widows, free rations during COVID, and Rs 5 lakh crore in direct benefits have reached the needy. Maternal mortality’s down, and schemes feel inclusive. Yet, gaps in healthcare access remind citizens there’s work left to do.
- Citizen Win: “The government stood by us when the pandemic hit,” recalls a laborer from Prayagraj.
5. Public Perception: A
- Why? Yogi’s no-nonsense image—tough on crime, big on development—has won hearts. UP’s no longer the punchline; it’s a contender. Citizens swell with pride when outsiders notice the shift, even if controversies like encounter debates linger.
- Citizen Win: “People don’t laugh at UP anymore—they respect us,” grins a student in Varanasi.
Overall Grade: A
The Yogi government isn’t flawless—questions about encounters and economic disparities persist—but for UP citizens, it’s a story of transformation. From a state synonymous with chaos to one pulsing with potential, it’s a report card they can hold up with pride.
Final Word for UP Citizens
Encounter justice? It’s not about textbooks or courtrooms—it’s about feeling safe in your home. The Yogi government’s report card? It’s a promise kept to millions who wanted change. For the people of Uttar Pradesh, this is their state rising, their voices heard, and their future brighter. And that, above all, feels good.
By BHARAT GLOBAL TIME