Police stations should not entertain or settle civil disputes: Karnataka High Court

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed the registration of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) petition to examine, among other issues, the alleged interference of police personnel in civil disputes between private parties.

A Division Bench of Justice DK Singh and Justice H Shanti Bhushan made it clear that police stations cannot be used as forums for adjudicating civil rights or settling civil disputes.

“A police station cannot be converted into a forum for adjudication of civil rights or settlement of disputes relating to property, possession, contractual obligations or other civil claims. The police authorities are required to act within the limits of their statutory jurisdiction,” the Court said.

Police personnel should immediately stop such activities inside the police station, the bench underscored.

The Court passed the direction following representations by the Advocates' Association, Bengaluru (AAB) and the Karnataka State Bar Council (KSBC) highlighting the recent murders of advocates Sriram V and Manjunath, and the alleged attempt to murder Senior Advocate Venkataramanappa Sannakki.

One of the issues raised by the AAB concerned police personnel involving themselves in civil disputes between private parties.

Taking note of the issue, the Bench observed that the issue requires serious consideration.

“The police personnel involving themselves in civil disputes between private parties is a serious issue and requires attention and direction to put an end to such illegal activities in the police station forthwith,” the Court said.

The Court also expressed concern over the apparent non-compliance with instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by higher police authorities.

“It appears that the instructions and SOPs issued by the higher police authorities are not followed. Repeated instructions cannot remain confined to paper. There must be proper supervision to ensure that such instructions are implemented and that appropriate action is taken against officers who violate them,” the Bench observed.

The High Court further emphasised the need for clear directions to the State government and the Police Department to prevent police stations from entertaining civil disputes.

“The State Government and the Police Department must ensure that all police stations are specifically instructed not to entertain or settle civil disputes between parties, except where any criminal offence requiring action in accordance with law is disclosed,” the Court said.

The Bench said that the issue of strict implementation of existing instructions and SOPs prohibiting police personnel from interfering in civil disputes or undertaking settlement of civil litigation at police stations, requires examination by the Court.

[Read Order]