HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE R. SUBHASH REDDY Writ Petition No.1731 of 2008 Order: In this writ petition, petitioners seek declaration by way of Mandamus to declare the action of the respondents in interfering with their life and liberty as illegal and arbitrary. First petitioner was working as Deputy Executive Engineer in Irrigation Department. On 10-08-2003, a complaint was filed by the Revenue Divisional Officer, Penukonda, before the respondents, against first petitioner and another person by name Sri Jagadish Babu, alleging misappropriation of Government funds. It is alleged that the said officers have misappropriated the money, by noting down wrong measurements, in the works executed by the Government in the drought-hit areas, in Talupula and Tanakala Mandals. Based on the said complaint, a case in Cr.No.24/2003 was registered on the file of the Police Station, Talupula, Anantapur District, against the first petitioner and another, for the alleged offences under Sections 409 and 420 of the Indian Penal code. The grievance of petitioners is that in spite of the fact that first petitioner has obtained bail with reference to the aforesaid crime, respondents are interfering with their personal life and liberty. Heard learned counsel for petitioners and learned Government Pleader appearing for respondents. Merely because first petitioner has obtained bail, apprehending arrest in connection with Cr.No.24/2003 on the file of Police Station, Talupula, that will not preclude the respondents from proceeding with the investigation in the said crime, which was registered on the complaint filed by the Revenue Divisional Officer, Penukonda. Learned counsel for petitioners submits that though first petitioner is not required in the aforesaid crime, respondents are visiting his house and are interfering with his personal life and liberty. On the other hand, learned Government Pleader appearing for respondents submits that respondents are not at all interfering with the life and liberty of petitioners, except for the investigation undertaken by them. In view of the submissions made by learned counsel for the parties, I dispose of the writ petition directing the respondents to proceed with the investigation, in accordance with law, in Cr.No.24/2003, on the file of Police Station, Talupula. However, it is made clear that except to the extent of interrogation and investigation with reference to the aforesaid crime, respondents shall not interfere with the life and liberty of petitioners. No order as to costs. __________________________ JUSTICE R. SUBHASH REDDY. February 1, 2008 msnr/MRR