Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Andhra Pradesh High Court Calls for People-Centric Policing
The Andhra Pradesh High Court heard six cases about people who said police got involved in their property disagreements.
Some petitioners said officers pressured them to settle disputes or take certain actions.
The State said police had not called them to stations and would not interfere unless a crime was involved.
The court said police must protect people and keep public order, but they cannot decide who owns property or settle civil disputes.
Those questions belong to courts and other proper legal forums.
Police may still act when a cognizable crime or threat to public peace is involved.
The court also said policing should serve people and follow democratic rules.
It ordered police to follow the state police chief’s guidelines on land disputes.
The High Court said policing should move away from its colonial legacy and become people-centric and democratic.
The ruling followed six petitions alleging police pressure or interference in civil property disputes; the State disputed the allegations.
The court held that police cannot decide civil rights or settle disputes between private parties.
It directed police to follow the Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police’s land-dispute guidelines and leave civil claims to competent forums.
The court cited about 166.18 police personnel per lakh people in Andhra Pradesh, compared with a UN recommendation of 222.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh High Court, petitioners in six cases, and the State.
- What
- The court ruled that police cannot adjudicate civil rights or settle private disputes, and directed compliance with land-dispute guidelines.
- When
- The common order was passed on October 5; the article says the DGP issued the guidelines on October 24, 2025.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Why
- The petitions alleged police interference in civil property disputes, and the court said such disputes must be resolved by competent judicial or quasi-judicial forums.
Petitioners’ allegations
State’s response
Police involvement in property disputes
Petitioners’ allegations
Petitioners alleged police called them to stations, pressured them to settle disputes, interfered with property, or threatened them in connection with civil cases.
State’s response
The State disputed the allegations, saying police had not called the petitioners to the stations and would not interfere in civil disputes unless a cognizable offence was registered.
- Petitions
- Six petitions raised concerns about alleged police involvement in civil disputes.
- Order
- The common order was passed on October 5.
- Police strength
- Approximately 166.18 police personnel per one lakh people in Andhra Pradesh.
- UN benchmark cited
- 222 police personnel per one lakh people.
- DGP guidelines
- Guidelines concerning land disputes were issued on October 24, 2025.
- Police powers
- Police may maintain law and order and act on cognizable offences, but cannot determine civil rights between parties.
- Outcome
- Police were directed not to interfere in, adjudicate, determine, or settle civil rights without legal cause.