Judge Pugalenthy Don’t Entertain, Conduct Inquiries In Civil Disputes: HC To Police

by Sekar Reporter · November 6, 2025

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Don’t Entertain, Conduct Inquiries In Civil Disputes: HC To Police
CITY
|
Kaushik Kannan | Nov 6, 2025, 02:06 IST

Madurai: Law and order is not served by extending police jurisdiction into civil fields; it is regrettable to note that applications which are civil in nature are being entertained and police are working as asset recovery agents for collecting money in financial transactions, observed Madras high court on Wednesday. The court then directed the police officers not to entertain or conduct inquiries in disputes which are civil in nature, such as those involving money, property or contracts.
The court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by individuals seeking a direction to restrain the police from harassing them under the guise of inquiry. Justice B Pugalendhi observed that none of the complaints disclose ingredients of a cognizable offence such as cheating, criminal breach of trust, or criminal intimidation backed by specific material particulars. Despite this, police officers have entertained such complaints, conducted inquiries, and issued summons in the name of ‘current paper enquiry’.
“It appears that the police have forgotten their responsibilities and duties and are indulging in these types of ‘katta panchayats’,” the judge observed.
Such informal proceedings have no recognition under law. The judge also took note of the circular issued by the director general of police, which mandates that every petition received from superior officers shall be formally entered as a CSR, preliminary inquiry, or FIR. The circular expressly prohibits the use of the term ‘current paper enquiry’.
Hence, the judge gave the direction to the police officers. The practice of ‘current paper enquiry’ has no statutory recognition and shall be discontinued forthwith.
Summons or notices under sections 94 or 179 of BNSS shall be issued only after the registration of an FIR and never during preliminary or petition inquiry. If a complaint prima facie discloses a cognizable offence, police shall register an FIR immediately and proceed to investigate in accordance with Section 173 BNSS. In all other cases, complainants shall be advised to approach the appropriate civil court or forum, the judge directed.
The judge directed the DGP to circulate this order and the circulars to all units and ensure compliance through periodic monitoring. Violation of these directions by any police officer shall invite departmental action.”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/dont-entertain-conduct-inquiries-in-civil-disputes-hc-to-police/articleshow/125113952.cms#:~:text=OPEN%20APP,invite%20departmental%20action.