Police Free To Take Action In Accordance With Law: Kerala HC Directs DGP To Deal With Mathrubumi's Complaint Alleging Police Harassment
The Kerala High Court in a Writ Petition alleging police harassment has ordered the State Police to investigate the matter and noted the submissions of the Respondent Police that actions are being taken in accordance with law.
The Bench headed by P.V. Kunhikrishnan said that “When the Government Pleader submit before this Court on behalf of the respondents that, there is absolutely no harassment from the side of the police towards the petitioners, I think no further order is necessary.”
The Court further added that “I make it clear that the police is free to continue with the investigation based on Ext.P4 FIR and take appropriate steps in accordance with law.”
The Petitioner was represented by Advocate Sruthy K.K and GP Rajeev Jyotish George represented the Respondents.
In this case, the Petitioners are the Executive Director and other staff of a publishing company. The Petitioners state that there is constant police harassment against them. Further, the Petitioners submitted exhibits showing complaints written to the police.
The Respondents in turn state that there is no harassment and it’s part of regular investigation. FIR has been lodged against the Petitioners and hence the police is doing its routine work. The Counsel for Respondent further assured the Court that there is no mala fide action taken by the Police.
The Court after hearing the submissions held that “I am of the considered opinion that, there may not be any grievance to the media persons regarding the police harassment. The 4th respondent should look into Exts.P6 and P14 and give an opportunity of hearing to an authorised representative of the petitioners and take appropriate action in accordance with law.”
The Court also said that “The 4th respondent will look into Exts.P6 and P14 and take appropriate steps in accordance with law after giving an opportunity of hearing to a representative of the petitioners, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment. I make it clear that the police is free to continue with the investigation based on Ext.P4 FIR and take appropriate steps in accordance with law.”
Accordingly, the High Court disposed off the Petition
Cause Title: The Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Company Ltd and Ors. v. The Station House Officer Chevayur Police Station and Ors.
Click here to read/download the judgment
