Lucknow, Aug. 28 -- The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court has cautioned police authorities and judicial officers against a "careless or callous approach" in matters of arrest and remand where the offence carries a maximum punishment of up to seven years.

The court's observation was in relation to a habeas corpus petition concerning a Lucknow juvenile who was repeatedly sent to judicial custody in a case where the maximum punishment was three years and, after the addition of another provision, five years.

"Lastly, the factum of illegal confinement, if it is established, may be taken seriously and erring official/officers may not be spared. So, all the concerning official/officers shall not take up aforesaid issue lightly," the co...