Delhi HC Refuses To Entertain PIL Seeking To Regulate Conduct Of Private Detectives

Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a Public Intrest Litigation that sought to regulate the conduct of private detectives and instead directed the Centre to treat the petition as a representation.

A Bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Naveen Chawla, while dismissing the petition, observed that "It is not for the court to direct the Union of India to issue guidelines for the same. However, we direct, the respondents to treat this petition as a representation and examine whether a law can be formulated to regulate the conduct of private detectives".

During the hearing, Mr. Digpaul appearing for the Union of India submitted that a Private Detective Agencies Regulation Bill was introduced in the parliament but was later withdrawn on 23rd March 2020. 

The plea was filed through Advocate Preeti Singh seeking to regulate the conduct of private detectives and their agencies as no rule or regulation governs their activities.

The plea was filed by an individual, who allegedly was a victim of harassment by activities of a private detective, who was hired by her estranged husband.

The petitioner argued that the work of private detectives, when done without supervision, is an affront to the fundamental Right to Life of citizens. 

The Court disposed of the petition by observing "It is not for the court to direct the Union of India to bring in a law. No mandamus in this regard can be issued".

Case Title: Radha Bisht v Union Of India