Citation: Shaik Khadar Vali v. State of Andhra Pradesh, alongside connected petitions. 2026:APHC:41312
In a comprehensive common order addressing a batch of multiple writ petitions, the High Court of Andhra Pradesh has firmly ruled that local police authorities possess no legal jurisdiction to interfere, adjudicate, or force settlements in private civil and land disputes that are already sub judice before competent civil courts. The Court emphasized that resolving civil rights, title, and possession is exclusively a judicial function, and law enforcement agencies cannot convert police stations into settlement forums or use criminal procedures as a backdoor mechanism to resolve civil grievances.
The High Court disposed of the petitions by restraining the police from interfering in civil disputes, ordering strict compliance with the DGP’s circular guidelines, and directing parties to pursue their legal remedies exclusively through appropriate civil courts and judicial forums.
Held:-
- Demarcation of Powers: The judiciary alone holds the constitutional mandate to determine civil rights, meaning executive or police authorities cannot encroach upon or usurp adjudicatory powers.
- Prohibition of Coercion: Citing Supreme Court precedents, the bench underscored that using police pressure or filing criminal complaints to coerce citizens into withdrawing civil suits or vacating properties constitutes an abuse of the legal process.
- Mandatory DGP Guidelines: The Court directed law enforcement to strictly adhere to the operational circular issued by the Director General of Police (DGP) in October 2025, which mandates strict neutrality, district-level risk registers, and coordination with revenue authorities for sensitive land disputes.
- Scope for Genuine Criminal Matters: While barred from meddling in civil litigation, police retain the absolute duty to register and investigate independent, cognizable criminal offenses (such as trespass or violence) strictly in accordance with the law.