Gujarat High Court questions role of police in cases of money recovery
Updated: Oct 16th, 2024
Gujarat High Court addressed concerns of police involvement in matters of lending and repayment, while hearing a civil matter involving an agro businessman from Jetpur.
The businessman had filed a writ petition against the police, alleging harassment over a demand to repay ₹21 lakh. He claimed that senior officers, including the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) and a police inspector (PI), had repeatedly contacted him, issuing threats and summons, asking for a repayment to a complainant.
During the proceedings, Justice Sandip Bhatt criticised the police’s focus on the recovery of funds, questioning their work, such as traffic congestion on the Bavla-Changodar road. “What is going on? Are the police only interested in money recovery? There are a lot of traffic problems that need addressing in the city,” the Justice remarked.
Justice Bhatt said that the situation was a business matter, and questioned why the police were interested so much in this matter. “Is this what police are meant for? This is too much,” he stated.
Further criticising the police, the court observed that even though the role of police is to help people, these days, safety of women and ordinary citizens has become a concern. People are pulling out swords in small disputes, and police are misusing their powers.
Rather than focusing on money recovery, police should control law and order situation in the state, said the Justice.
The high court also demanded clarity on the basis of which the notice was issued in this civil dispute.
The court has ordered top officials to provide detailed reports and explanations in the next hearing, scheduled on October 25.
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