Lawful investigation actions by authorities do not amount to harassment of individuals involved.

JUDGMENT

This writ petition seeks for a direction to the first respondent not to harass the petitioners in connection with Exhibit-P4 crime.

2. The learned Government Pleader, upon instructions, submitted that respondents are not harassing the petitioners. However, in the course of investigation into Crime No.259 of 2024 of Koratty Police Station, necessary enquiries will have to be made.

3. Having heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader, I am of the view that an investigation conducted as part of a crime cannot be treated as a harassment. Since the investigation into a crime requires the police to seize documents/vehicles and even question the persons suspected to be involved in the crime. Those are matters that fall in the realm of investigation; and cannot be regarded as harassment. In the statement filed by the Station House Officer, it is specifically mentioned that notice under Section 91 Cr.P.C. has already been served to the owner of the vehicle, i.e., the first petitioner, to produce the vehicle.

4. It is quite evident that the attempt of the petitioners is to convert a due investigation as a measure of harassment, which cannot be approved by this Court.

Hence, I find no merit in this writ petition, and it is dismissed.

Sd/-