Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 28: The Karnataka High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the police action of freezing the bank accounts of a private company's directors and employees in connection with a civil dispute.

A bench headed by Justice V Srishananda directed the Mangaluru city police commissioner to submit a report regarding the conduct of Ullal police station inspector Virupakshaiah in relation to the case.

The issue stems from a police complaint filed by an electrical contractor, Sunil Kumar, who alleged that despite completing electrical work in a commercial building as per their agreement, he was not paid the due amount of approximately Rs 60.39 lac. Based on this complaint, an FIR was registered at the Ullal police station.

Seeking the quashing of this FIR, the company and its directors approached the High Court. During the hearing, the counsel representing the company brought to the court's notice that the agreement clearly stipulated that any disputes should be resolved through the courts or arbitration. "Overlooking this, the Ullal police inspector froze the bank accounts of the company and its directors," the counsel argued.

Ullal police inspector Virupakshaiah was personally present in the court during the hearing, while the Mangaluru city police commissioner attended via video conference. Taking strong exception to the investigating officer's style of functioning, the court questioned him severely, asking, "Why do the police interfere in a civil dispute?"

Referring to the investigating officer's 28 years of service, the bench issued a stern warning, stating, "If the court suspends you, you will have to strip and roam around the court."

The court has directed the Mangaluru city police commissioner to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a report. The hearing has been adjourned to October 14.