P.R. Murlidharan & Ors vs Swami Dharamanda Theertha Padar & Ors

The Supreme Court held that a Writ Petition seeking a mandamus for police protection regarding property rights is inappropriate when civil rights remain to be adjudicated in a civil suit. The Court emphasized that Article 226 cannot be used to resolve disputed questions of fact related to property without prior determination by a civil court. The High Court erred in adjudicating rights based on affidavits without a proper civil suit, reinforcing that police protection can only be granted when there is a clear threat to a person's safety, not for unadjudicated property claims.