Lucknow: In the face of unfavourable judicial observations, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has instructed officials not to arrest Samajwadi Party leaders and others named in first information reports (FIRs) filed in connection with "misuse" of the discretionary fund without getting clearance from courts.

No arrests should be made unless courts issue directions in this regard, she told reporters on April 19.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to conduct a an impartial probe and not to harass innocent people while collecting evidence.

Staying the arrest of Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Amar Singh, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court said judiciary would see to it that the rule of law prevails in the state.

Justice Vishnu Sahay pulled up the state's advocate general S C Mira and asked if there was any rule of law in the state.

"It seems the police is ruling the state. They could arrest anybody any time. They could even arrest judges on flimsy grounds," justice Sahay observed.

Faced with charges of political vendetta, Mayawati on April 19 said misuse of the discretionary fund during the tenures of three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Ministers and herself since 1994 would also be probed.

"Impartial and just inquiries would be conducted into the various cases since 1994 to establish that the money sanctioned by the government through discretionary fund was not misused."

PTI