Ranjithkumar v. The Deputy Inspector General of Prison

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by Dr.Anita Sumanth J.) The petitioner, a life convict, presently confined in Central Prison, Salem, has filed this Writ Petition challenging order dated 21.01.2026 granting leave to the convict only to the extent to which it appoints an escort for the petitioner. Page2 of 5

¶2The reason set out by the Probation Officer in his report is that there is a threat to the life of the petitioner and danger to his family members. But the apprehension expressed is in general terms and there are no details of any specific persons from whom the threat is apprehended.

¶3That apart, Mr.Muniyapparaj, learned Additional Public Prosecutor, who appears for the respondents also confirms that from the date of conviction, the petitioner has been granted leave 11 times and only twice, with escort. He is unable to place on record any other material to support the general apprehension of the Probation Officer. In such a situation, we do not see any reason for the requirement of escort.

¶4Accordingly, impugned order dated 21.01.2026, to the extent to which an escort has been provided, is set aside and ordinary leave of 28 days without escort is granted, though on the following conditions:

(i)The respondents are directed to release the convict viz., Ranjithkumar, S/o Mani, aged about 39 years, confined at Salem Central Prison, on ordinary leave for a period of twenty eight (28) days without escort i.e., from 16.04.2026 to

13.05.2026.

(ii)The convict shall be released on 16.04.2026 at 10.00 A.M. and is directed to surrender before the Superintendent of Prisons, Salem Central Prison, on

14.05.2026 before 10.00 A.M. Page3 of 5

(iii)The convict shall report before the Inspector of Police, Annathanapatty Police Station, on every alternate day at 11.00 A.M, during the period of leave.

(iv)During the leave period, the Convict Prisoner shall abide by all the conditions prescribed in the Jail Manual. (A.S.M.,J.) (S.M.,J.) 15-04-2026 sl Index: Yes/No Speaking order Note to Registry: Issue today. To

¶1The Deputy Inspector General of Prison Office of The Deputy Inspector General of Prison, Coimbatore Zone, Covai Central Prison Campus, Coimbatore District.

¶2The Superintendent of Prison, Salem Central Prison, Salem.

¶3The Superintendent of Police, Office of The Superintendent of Police, Salem.

¶4The Inspector Of Police Annadhanapatty Police Station, Salem District.

¶5The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras. Page4 of 5 DR.ANITA SUMANTH J. AND SUNDER MOHAN J. SL 15-04-2026 Page5 of 5

2026:MHC:1455 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 15-04-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE DR.JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN Ranjithkumar S/o Mani, PID No.28769, Life Convict Prisoner, Salem Central Prison, Salem. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Deputy Inspector General of Prison Office of The Deputy Inspector General of Prison, Coimbatore Zone, Covai Central Prison Campus, Coimbatore District. 2. The Superintendent of Prison, Salem Central Prison, Salem. 3. The Superintendent of Police, Office of The Superintendent of Police, Salem. 4. The Inspector Of Police Annadhanapatty Police Station, Salem District. Page1 of 5 ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for issuance of writ of Certiorarified Mandamus writ petition for pleased to call for the records connected with the impugned order No.CP-SLM/1014/2025-R4(JA) CP-SLM/1014/2025-R4(JA) dated 21.01.2026 issued by the respondent No.1 and quash the same as illegal, consequently to direct the respondent to release me namely Ranjithkumar (Life Convict Prisoner No.6328, PID No.21.01.2026) son of Mani aged about 39 years who is now confining at Salem Central Prison, from the prison on the ordinary leave for 28 days without escort in accordance with law within the time stipulated by this Honourable Court and pass such further or other orders. For Petitioner(s): Mr.R.Prakash For Respondent(s): Mr.R.Muniyapparaj Additional Public Prosecutor Assisted By Mr.M.Sylvester John