K.Gowtham v. The Commissioner of Police
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras High Court, WP Crl. No. 1393 of 2026, decided 23-06-2026, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan. Writ petition (criminal side) under Article 226 seeking mandamus for return of original property documents allegedly illegally impounded/retained by Tambaram Commissionerate and Guduvancheri police (respondents 2 to 4; fourth respondent Rajiv Prince Aaron). Arises from failed sale agreement where petitioner's Power Agent received Rs.2.60 crores advance from Srinivasan; subsequent settlement, return of advance, final payment on 08.06.2025, and complainant's letter withdrawing his complaint while reserving civil remedies. Held: dispute essentially civil in nature; police have no further role; petition closed with liberty to approach competent Civil Court. Keywords: return of original documents, illegally impounded, police custody, civil dispute, settlement deed, mandamus, Article 226, no costs.