U.Karpooranayagi v. The Secretary to Government

O R D E R This writ petition has been filed for direction directing the respondents 1 to 3 to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 01.08.2025 seeking to permit her husband to stay along with the family members and also to use mobile phone and other electronic instruments.

2.The petitioner and her husband are Sri Lankan refugee. The petitioner's husband namely, Umaramanan committed offences and four cases were registered against him. Though the petitioner was acquitted in three cases, now he is facing trial in C.C.No.253 of 2022 on the file of Special Court under EC & NDPS Act, Pudukottai. Though the petitioner's husband was granted bail, he was directed to stay in the Special Camp, Trichy, which is meant for Sri Lankan Refugees and his family members are staying in the Sri Lankan Refugee Camp at Madurai. That apart, the petitioner's husband was not permitted to use his cell phone and other electronic instruments. Therefore, the petitioner submitted representation seeking to permit her husband to stay along with the family members and also to use electronic instruments including electronic gadgets and cell phone.

3.On a perusal of the counter and also on the submission made by the learned Counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side) reveal that the Governor of Tamil Nadu ordered that the usage of cell phones, laptops computers and other electronic gadgets by the inmates of the Special Camps lodged under Section 3 (2) (c) of the Foreigners Act are prohibited in the interest of security of the State of Tamil Nadu. That apart, relatives of the inmates can visit them during the day time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the visitors' room specifically earmarked for such interviews.

4.Admittedly, the petitioner's husband is an under trial prisoner and was granted bail. Thereafter, petitioner's husband being Sri Lankan refugee, he was directed to stay in the Special Camp, Trichy. The petitioner and the other family members are staying at Sri Lankan Refugee Camp at Madurai.

5.In view of the above, the petitioner and the other family members can visit the petitioner's husband in the Special Camp, Trichy, between 10a.m. and 5 p.m., but they cannot stay with the petitioner's husband. Further, the petitioner's husband is permitted to use cell phones and other electronic gadgets under the supervision of the Head of the Special Camp.

6.With the above direction, the writ petition is disposed of.

27.07.2026 pri Index: Yes/ No Speaking Order: Yes/ No NCC: Yes/ No To 1 The Secretary to Government Public (Foreigners) Department, Secretariat, Chennai – 600 009. 2 The Commissioner Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non Resident Tamil, (Sri Lankan Tamil) Ezhilagam, Chepak, Chennai – 600 005. 3 The Superintendent of Police Q-Branch CID, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004. 4 The District Collector Tiruchirappalli District, Tiruchirappalli – 620 020. 5 The Public Prosecutor, Madras High Court, Chennai – 600 104. G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN,J. pri

27.07.2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 27.07.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN U.Karpooranayagi ... Petitioner Vs. 1 The Secretary to Government Public (Foreigners) Department, Secretariat, Chennai – 600 009. 2 The Commissioner Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non Resident Tamil, (Sri Lankan Tamil) Ezhilagam, Chepak, Chennai – 600 005. 3 The Superintendent of Police Q- Branch CID, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004. 4 The District Collector Tiruchirappalli District, Tiruchirappalli – 620 020. ... Respondents Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus to directing the respondent No. 1 to 3 to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 1.8.2025 and to restore the interview and cell phone facility to the petitioners husband namely Umaramanan Son of Kanthasamy, now confined in the Special Camp, Trichy. For Petitioner : Mr.P.Pugalenthi For Respondents : Mr.R.Ganesh Kumar for R1 to R4 Counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side) High Court of Madras