The Hon’ble Sri Justice Tamada Gopala Krishna Writ Petition No.28201 of_2009 Order: This Writ Petition is filed by the petitioners seeking a Writ of Mandamus to declare the action of the respondent in not taking any action on their complaint, dated 24-08-2009, as illegal and arbitrary. 2. According to the petitioners, they have filed the above said complaint against one Smt.Harini alleging misappropriation of funds of the partnership firm and seeking protection of their life in anticipation of threat from her. But however, no action has been initiated by the respondent so far. Being aggrieved by the same, they filed the present Writ Petition. 3. Heard the learned Counsel for the petitioners and the learned Government Pleader for Home for the respondent. 4. The learned Counsel for the petitioners has submitted that when a complaint makes out a cognizable offence, the Police are duty bound to register the same as a crime and investigate into it and prayed to allow this Writ Petition. 5. It is to be noted that when the Police do not act upon the complaint given by the petitioners, they have an alternative remedy of filing a private complaint before the competent criminal Court, as provided under Section 200 Cr.P.C. As and when such private complaint is filed, the Magistrate concerned may either take cognizance of the offence or refer the matter to the Police, as provided under Section 156 (3) Cr.P.C. On such private complaint being received, the Police have no option except to register the same as a crime, investigate into it, and submit a final report, as provided under Section 173 Cr.P.C. 6 . In view of the same, the petitioners are directed to approach the competent criminal Court and file a private complaint before it, for redressal of their grievance. 7. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. ______________________ Tamada Gopala Krishna, J Date: 24th December, 2009 lur