New Delhi, Aug. 7 -- In many civil property disputes. parties approach the police claiming unlawful possession, trespass or obstruction, as they expect their issue to be resolved. The Allahabad High Court has made it clear that police authorities cannot step in to decide possession or ownership in such disputes.

The court recently said that police can intervene only to the limited extent necessary for maintaining public peace and preventing breach of law and order. It also clarified that any deviation from this law may invite departmental as well as contempt proceedings, according to a Livelaw report.

"Police authorities and Executive officers have no jurisdiction to adjudicate or interfere in civil disputes relating to title, possessio...