The Karnataka High Court has cautioned the Whitefield Police against intervening in civil disputes, particularly property matters, unless there is a specific direction from a competent court.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued the warning while hearing a plea concerning the alleged demolition of a compound wall at a disputed property.
Background of the Case
The petitioners alleged that the Whitefield Police had interfered in a property dispute between the parties and demolished a compound wall at the site at the instance of one side.
The Court noted that both sides claimed to have decrees and injunction orders in their favour. It held that such competing claims must be placed before the appropriate civil court rather than being resolved through police intervention.
Court's Observation
The High Court made it clear that the police cannot take sides in a pending civil dispute.
“When there are civil disputes which are pending, it is not for the police to interfere. The police having chosen to interfere they are directed not to do so in the future.”
The Court also directed the Principal Secretary of the Home Department and the Director General of Police to inquire into the conduct of the officers concerned and take necessary action after examining the matter.
The Bench further referred to earlier instances in which the Whitefield Police Station had faced criticism from the High Court over procedural issues.
Decision
The Court disposed of the writ petition and directed the police not to intervene in the civil dispute unless there was a specific order from a competent court.
“The above writ petition is disposed directing the respondent police not to intervene unless there is specific direction issued by a Court of competent jurisdiction.”
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