Petitioners may seek police protection against threats arising from private disputes when safety is at risk.

JUDGMENT

Petitioner seeks for the grant of police protection against the illegal acts of the 4^th respondent and those persons acting under him. The petitioner alleges that he had borrowed certain amounts from the 4^th respondent and even repaid the amount. Despite the said repayment, the 4^th respondent threatens to cause harm to him and assault him. When the petitioner approached the police, they tried to compel him to yield to the demands of the 4^th respondent.

2. The learned counsel for the 4^th respondent submitted that amounts are due to the 4^th respondent from the petitioner pursuant to a loan availed by him and that he has not resorted to any illegal activities other than legal measures which he intends to initiate. It was also submitted that the 4^th respondent will not cause any harm or even threat to the petitioner.

3. Since the 4^th respondent has undertaken that he intends no harm to the petitioner except for resorting to legal measures, I am of the view that this writ petition can be disposed of with a direction.

In the event of any threat or harm to the petitioner from the 4^th respondent or from anyone acting under him, the petitioner is at liberty to intimate the police. If intimation is given to the 3^rd respondent as mentioned above, necessary action to avert such threats shall be initiated, promptly. Needless to mention that the police shall not interfere in any civil dispute between the petitioner and the 4^th respondent under the guise of this order.

The writ petition is disposed of as above.

Sd/-