Police stations are not civil courts: Telangana High Court

The Court was hearing a writ petition filed by one Pamu Sudharshanam, alleging harassment and illegal interference by the police in a long-standing civil dispute in Bandlaguda, Nagole.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice T. Vinod Kumar of the Telangana High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the SHO of Nagole Police Station for allegedly interfering in civil disputes and coercing settlements at police stations.

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The Court was hearing a writ petition filed by one Pamu Sudharshanam, alleging harassment and illegal interference by the police in a long-standing civil dispute in Bandlaguda, Nagole.

The petitioner contended that despite multiple civil suits pending since 2000, and a subsisting injunction order in his favour, the police registered a criminal case at the behest of private individuals attempting to settle the civil matter through extrajudicial means.

It was alleged that the Station House Officer of Nagole Police Station forcibly brought the petitioner to the station on May 19, 2025, detained him from morning till 9 p.m., and compelled him to settle the matter with unrelated individuals claiming rights over his property by threatening criminal action.

The police allegedly facilitated a settlement involving Rs. 55 lakh with a person unconnected to the disputed property. The petitioner further argued that such interference by the SHO, in a matter already before civil and criminal courts, violated Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution and amounted to an abuse of the criminal justice process to settle private land disputes.

Earlier, on June 12, the High Court issued notice and restrained the SHO from interfering with the petitioner’s life, liberty, or with the pending civil proceedings. The court on an earlier occasion, directed the SHO of Nagole Police Station to appear in person and the Commissioner of Police, Rachakonda, to appear virtually.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Justice Vinod Kumar made strong remarks, stating that “police stations are turning into venues for civil settlements,” and pulled up the authorities for acting outside their jurisdiction in aiding private parties. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing.