C.K.GOPI Vs. DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner in W.P.(C).No.3951 of 2020 has approached the learned Single Judge seeking for a direction that the police should not harass him. He contended that he had filed several public interest litigations before this Court and filed cases taking account the persons who are unable to approach this Court. But at the instance of private respondents 4 to 13, he is being harassed by the 2 nd respondent, Deputy Superintendent of Police. The learned Single Judge by an interim order, having obtained certain details from the Registry that the petitioner had filed several original petitions as well as writ petitions before this Court, directed the police to conduct an enquiry into the conduct of the petitioner and whether he has filed cases for the purpose of demanding any money from them.

(2.) Apparently, the police can initiate action against a person only if he is involved in any cognizable offence. The police can of course enquire into an allegation that is being made against a person. When the police makes such enquiries, necessarily it has to be in accordance with the procedure prescribed under the Criminal Procedure Code .

(3.) According to the petitioner, he has filed several public interest litigations before this Court and had obtained positive orders. If he has filed any frivolous case before the High Court, it is for the High Court to ensure that vexatious and frivolous cases are not being entertained. If there is an allegation that such cases are being filed to extort money from the concerned persons, the High Court itself can pass orders in appropriate cases. So far, no such orders have been passed by the High Court in any of the cases. This is a case in which the petitioner had approached this Court alleging harassment by the police.