Umapathi v. The Government of Tamilnadu

ORDER This writ petition has been filed to direct the first to fourth respondents to take departmental action as against the sixth to eighth respondents and also for compensation of a sum of Rs.25,00,000/-.

¶2The petitioner is a reporter of 'Puratchi Periyar Muzhakam', a tamil weekly. On 26.11.2014, at about 9.30 a.m., he received a message that in the locality of Mylapore, people were engaged in road roko under the Mylapore bridge. Therefore, the petitioner, being a reporter of Tamil weekly, went to the place of road roko. On enquiry, he heard that there was a wordy quarrel between the general public and the sixth to eighth respondents , who were attached with the fifth respondent Police Station. The sixth to eighth respondents behaved harshly with the ladies who were engaged in road roko. The petitioner had taken photographs using his mobile phone which was objected by the sixth to eighth respondents. Therefore, the petitioner questioned their atrocities. Immediately, they started to assault the petitioner with their lathis. Though the public prevented the sixth to eighth respondents from attacking the petitioner, they also abused the petitioner in a filthy language and did not stop their attack on the petitioner.

¶3Since the general public objected their attack, the sixth to eighth respondents took the petitioner to the fifth respondent Police Station. In the Police Station, once again, the petitioner was brutally attacked by them. Thereafter, they snatched his mobile phone and directed him to make a call to his sister and asked her to come to the Police Station. However, the petitioner refused to do the same and, once again, they had jointly assaulted him on his entire body. They also kicked with their boots on his private part. Therefore, he sustained injuries on his entire body. Thereafter, he was taken to the Royapettah Government Hospital. However, he was not treated by doctors there. When the sixth to eighth respondents threatened the petitioner to affix his signature in blank papers, the petitioner was not in a position to oblige them and hence, they obtained his left thumb impression forcibly in the blank papers. Once again, he was taken to the fifth respondent Police Station and they received a complaint and, he was referred to the Royapettah Government Hospital for treatment. The doctors there referred him to the Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital for further treatment, where he was admitted as in patient from 26.11.2014. However, on

27.11.2014, the Police officials pressurized the hospital Authorities to discharge him from the hospital, though he was not able to even stand and walk.

¶4In order to escape from the said incident, the fifth respondent foisted a false case against the petitioner and registered an FIR in Crime No. 3117 of 2014 for the offences under Sections 143, 188, 341, 353, 294 (b), 506(i) I.P.C and Section 4 of the TNPD Act. Another FIR was registered against the petitioner in Crime No.3118 of 2014 for the offences under Sections 143, 188 and 294(b) I.P.C. Pursuant to the registration of FIR, he was remanded to judicial custody and after coming out on bail, the petitioner was again admitted in the hospital as an in patient.

¶5On a complaint received from the petitioner, an FIR was registered in Crime No.3119 of 2014 for the offences under Sections 341 and 324 IPC against the sixth to eighth respondents. Thereafter, the Deputy Commissioner of Police requested the District Collector, Chennai, to order for an enquiry to be conducted by the Revenue Divisional Officer. Accordingly, the Revenue Divisional Officer conducted a detailed enquiry and submitted his report. He recommended for compensation of Rs.1,00,000/- to be paid to the petitioner and also initiation of departmental action against the sixth to eight respondents. Even then, the Enquiry Officer conducted a shabby enquiry and concluded that no charges were proved against the sixth to eighth respondents and exonerated them from all the charges. Insofar as the criminal case is concerned, it is still pending without any final report being filed on the file of the fifth respondent police.

¶6The fifth respondent police filed a counter affidavit and the learned Government Advocate (Crl.side) submitted that when the said Sub-Inspector of Police was on patrol duty on 26.11.2014, he found that there were banners put up at the junction of St.Mary's Road and canal road hailing about the late LTTI leader. It was erected by one John and the 25 others including the petitioner. Therefore, the patrol police personnel requested to remove the unathourized flex banners and banners. However, they did not oblige, and hence, it was informed to the fifth respondent police. Thereafter, the petitioner, along with 20 to 25 persons, staged a road roko in St.Mary's Road. Therefore, the sixth respondent came to the place of the occurrence and requested the persons who staged road roko to disperse. However, they refused to adhere to the request made by the police personnel. They abused the police officials in a filthy language. They also blocked the road and restrained the police officials from discharging their official duty. Therefore, without any other option, the police personnel used minimum force to disperse the public.

¶7It is further stated by learned Government Advocate (Crl.side) that the petitioners were brought to the fifth respondent Police Station and on receipt of the special report of Special Sub-Inspector, against the petitioner, John and 25 others the fifth respondent police registered an FIR in Crime No. 44 of 2017. On the same day, the said John and others once again gathered unlawfully near the fifth respondent Police Station and raised slogans against the police personnel and also to release the petitioner and demanded action against the police personnel. . In the meanwhile, based on the complaint received from the petitioner, the fifth respondent police registered an FIR against the sixth to eight respondents in Crime No.3119 of 2014 for the offences under Sections 341 and 324 IPC and investigation is still pending. Further, the Deputy Commissioner of Police requested the District Collector, Chennai, to conduct an enquiry by the Revenue Divisional Officer.

¶8It is further stated by learned Government Advocate (Crl.side) that the petitioner was already involved in traffic violation case for which, an FIR was registered in Crime No.2065 of 2011 for the offences under Sections 341, 323, 294(b), 353 and 506(2) IPC. After completion of investigation, the trial Court had taken cognizance in C.C. No.1912 of 2012 on the file of the 18th Metropolitan Magistrate, Saidapet, Chennai. However, it was ended in acquittal by an order dated 19.01.2019. The Revenue Divisional Officer conducted a detailed enquiry and concluded that the petitioner was assaulted by the police officials and recommended for disciplinary action against the sixth to eighth respondents and further, recommended for payment of compensation recoverable from the sixth to eighth respondents. As per G.O.Ms.No.1033(Public) L&O Department, disciplinary action was initiated as against the sixth to eighth respondents and also to sanction a sum of Rs.1,00,000/- as compensation to the petitioner. Subsequently, the said sum was recovered from the sixth to eighth respondent , which was already ordered to be recovered from the sixth to eighth respondents. In fact, the sixth respondent challenged the recovery order before this Court in W.P.No.25863 of 2018 and it is still under consideration. As per the Government Order in G.O.Ms.No.359, Public (L&O-A) Department dated 06.04.2015, financial relief payable for the victims in case of torture which is proved by Judicial Magistrate or Revenue Divisional Officer is Rs.1,00,000/- in the case of not resulting in death. Accordingly, a sum of Rs.1,00,000/- was already paid to the petitioner as compensation. Therefore, he is not entitled to any compensation and prayed for dismissal of this writ petition.

¶9The learned counsel for the sixth to eighth respondents submitted that as directed by the Revenue Divisional Officer, the District Collector, Chennai, recommended for disciplinary proceedings against the sixth to eighth respondents. Pursuant to the said order, the Deputy Commissioner of Police was appointed as Enquiry Officer to conduct the enquiry who found that the charges levelled against the sixth to eighth respondents were not proved. On receipt of the said report, the Disciplinary Authority exonerated the sixth to eighth respondents from all the charges. Insofar as the compensation paid to the petitioner is concerned, it was ordered to be recovered from the sixth to eighth respondents. The sixth respondent challenged the order of recovery before this Court in W.P.No.25863 of 2018 and it is under consideration . Therefore, the petitioner is not entitled to any compensation and prayed for dismissal of the writ petition.

¶10Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record.

¶11The petitioner is a reporter of Tamil weekly, 'Puratchi Periyar Muzhakam.' When he was taking photographs of the public of Mylapore staging a road roko against the police officials, he was brutally attacked by the sixth to eighth respondents. Once again, the petitioner was taken to the fifth respondent Police Station and he was attacked by the police personnel by their lathi and boots. Therefore, he sustained injuries all over his body. They had also attacked him on his private part and hence, he could not even stand or walk. Though he was taken to the Government Hospital, Royapettah and admitted on

26.07.2014, the sixth to eighth respondents insisted the doctors to discharge him and took him to the Police Station. Thereafter, they also foisted a false case against the petitioner and others in Crime No.3117 of 2014 for the offences under Sections 143,188,341,353,294(b) and 506(i) IPC and Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992 in order to escape from the charge of brutal attack and illegal custody. The fifth respondent police registered an FIR as against the sixth to eighth respondents based on the complaint lodged by the petitioner in Crime No.3119 of 2014 for the offences under Sections 341 and 324 IPC, though other major offences get clearly attracted against them. Pursuant to the registration of FIR against the petitioner, he was remanded to judicial custody. Unfortunately, without even recording his submissions the learned Magistrate remanded him to judicial custody. On the influence of the sixth to eighth respondents, the petitioner was taken to the Central Prison, Puzhal. After coming out from the prison, the petitioner immediately approached this Court by way of this writ petition.

¶12This Court, by an order dated 28.11.2014, directed the Dean, the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, to constitute a team of doctors to examine the petitioner medically, note down his physical condition, the treatment already given to him and treatments required to be given and further directed the Dean to file a report regarding the medical condition of the petitioner at the time of his admission and as on the date of submission of the report on 08.03.2014.

¶13As directed by this Court, the petitioner was subjected to medical examination on 01.12.2024 and a team of doctors examined him and found the following injuries:

¶1Rt deltoid region diffuse contusion

¶2Rt. Upper and middle arem-diffuse contusion

¶3Rt. side anterior aspect of Rt. Gluteal region - contusion

¶4Lt thigh anterior aspect Lt gluteal region - contusion

¶5Complaints of tenderness in Rt wrist

¶6Abrasion of Lt forearm

¶7Chest Abdomen clinically normal Head and Neck He was also advised to take bed rest, parental antibiotics till the course was over and analgesic and CT right were advised by an Ortho surgeon for further treatment. They also found the following injuries: "1.Contusion of sizw 6*4 cm over right deltoid and contusion of size 4*4 cm over right arm below deloid.

¶2Generalised swelling of both the forearm from elbow to hand, fingers and multiple lathi marks over the forearm.

¶3Contusion of size 6*5 cm over left thigh medical aspect, contusion of size 3*3 cm over left leg below knee.

¶4Multiple lathi marks over right leg below knee."

¶14On perusal of the Accident Register revealed that the petitioner's statement recorded that three police personnel and two unknown persons attacked him with wooden sticks and PVC objects. Initially, he was treated in the Government Royapettah Hospital as an outpatient and referred to the Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital for urgent CT brain, x ray for bones and chest, Ultrasonogram for abdoment etc. He was admitted as inpatient on 26.11.2014 at 7.55 p.m. However, he was taken from the hospital on 27.11.14 by the sixth to eighth respondents and remanded to judicial custody. Therefore, only on the direction issued by this Court, the petitioner was once again admitted to the hospital for treatment.

¶15Pursuant to the registration of FIR as against the respondents 6 to 8 in Crime No.3119 of 2014 for the offences under Sections 341 and 324 IPC, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mylapore, had requested the District Collector, Chennai, to order for an enquiry by the Revenue Divisional Officer. Accordingly, the District Collector, Chennai, ordered for enquiry by communication dated 08.01.2015 in R.C.A5/31512/2014. Thereafter, the Revenue Divisional Officer, Chennai, conducted enquiry and submitted his report dated 07.07.2017. The Revenue Divisional Officer has concluded as follows: jpU/ckhgjp

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jpU/ckhgjp vdg; tUf;F brdi; d uh?Pt;fhej; p muR bghJkUjJ; tkidapy; kUjJ; tk; ghhj; ;j kUjJ; tu; jpU/v?;/bry;tf;Fkhu; vdg; tuplk; tprhuiznkw;bfhs;sgg; l;ljpy; 26/11/2014 md;WkhiyRkhu; 07/45 kzpf;FjpU/ckhgjp j-bg ?dhfpuhkd; vdg; tu; Rkhu; 5 eghf; shy; jhf;fgg; l;l epiyapy; rpfpri; rf;fhf kUjJ; tkidf;F bfhz;Ltugg; l;ljhft[k; mtu; Raepidt[ld; ,jaj;Jogg; [. ,uj;j mGj;jk;. ,ja gupnrhjid. Rthr gupnrhjid. tapw;W gupnrhjid kw;Wk; eukg; [ kz;ly gupnrhjidMfpait nkw;bfhs;sgg; l;ljpy; mtu;fs; ruP hd Kiwapy; nkYk; jpU/ckhgjp clypy; gpd;tUk; fha?;fs; fz;lwpagg; l;ls;sd vd bjupatUfpd;wd/ m) tyJ if g?[ j;jpy; 6*4 br/kP/ ,uj;jf;fl;L kw;Wk; tyJ nky; ifapy; g?[ j;jpy; fPH; 4*4 br/kP/ ,uj;jf;flL; M) ,uz;L KH?i; ffspYk; kw;Wk; cs;s?i; f. if tpuy;fspYk; tPf;fk; kw;Wk; KH?i; ffspy; yj;jpahy; jhf;fgg; l;l milahs?;fs; ,) ,lJ bjhil cs; gFjpapy; 6*5 br/kP/ ,uj;jf;flL; kw;Wk; ,lJfhy; Kl;oapd; fPH; 3*3br/kP/ ,uj;jf;flL; kw;Wk; yj;jpay; jhf;fgg; l;l milahs?;fs; ?) tyJfhy; Kl;oapd; fPH; yj;jpahy; Pageo18oofo39 W.P.No.a1a69oofo2014 jhf;fgg; l;lmilahs?;fs; 4/jpU/ ckhgjprkug; g; pj;Js;s gi[ fgg; lMjhu?;fis ghhi; t bra;jjpy; mthpd; clypy; yj;jpahy; jhf;fgg; l;lfha?;fs; if kw;Wk; fhy;fspy; ,Ue;jJ cWj pbra;agg; LfpwJ/ 5/vdnt.nkwg; o tprhuizapd; Ky: k;. 26/11/2014 md;W ,4mgpuhkgu[ k; fhty; epiyaj;jpw;F miHjJ; tugg; l;l jpU/ ckhgjp j-bg ?dhfpuhkd; vdg; tu; gpd;tUk; fhtyh;fshy; jhf;fgg; lL; s;shh; vdg; jid ,4 mgpuhkgu[ k; fhty; epiya jiyikf;fhtyh; tonty;. fhty; cjtp Ma;thsu; jpU/,isauh?h Mfpnahhpd; thf;FK:yj;jpypUeJ; k;. ,uhag;ngli; l muR kUjJ; tkid kUj;Jtu;. ,uh?Pt;fhej; p muR bghJ kUjJ; tkid kUjJ; th;fspd; mwpfi; fapypUeJ; k; kw;Wk; jpU/ckhgjp mtu;fs; rkhg; g; pj;j gi[ fgg; l?;fspypUeJ; k; mwpaKofpwJ/ 1/jpU/,isauh?h?fhty; cjtpMa;thsh;. ,4mgpuhkgu[ k; fhtye; piyak; 2/jpUkjp/fiyr;bry;tp?fhty; cjtpMa;thsh; ,4 mgpuhkgu[ k; fhtye; piyak; 3/jpU/tonty;?jiyikf; fhtyh;. ,4mgpuhkgu[ k; fhtye; piyak; vdnt nkwg; o eghf; s; kJP jf;f eltofi; f nkw;bfhs;s muRf;F gupeJ; iubra;ayhk; vdt[k; fhty; Jiw mYtyh;fshy; jhf;fgg; lL; g hjpgg; [f;Flg; l;l jpU/ckhgjp j-bg ?dhfpuhkd ; vdg; tUf;F cupa ,Hgg; Pl;oid fhty; Jiwapduplnk bgw;W tH';f gupeJ; iu bra;ayhk; vd gzpt[ld; bjuptpjJ; f;bfhs;fpnwd;/ Pageo19oofo39

¶16Therefore, the Revenue Divisional Officer recommended for disciplinary action as against the sixth to eighth respondents and also recommended for compensation to the petitioner. Accordingly, the first respondent passed an order dated 22.12.2017 in G.O.(Ms).No.1033 and ordered for compensation of Rs.1,00,000/- and that the said compensation shall be recovered from the sixth to eighth respondents and also directed initiation of disciplinary action as against the sixth to eighth respondents . Pursuant to the said order, the petitioner was paid a sum of Rs.1,00,000/- as compensation and an order was passed to recover the said compensation from the sixth to eighth respondents. The 6th respondent challenged the order of recovery before this Court in W.P.No.25863 of 2018 and the same is under consideration.

¶17Insofar as the disciplinary proceeding is concerned, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kilpauk, Chennai, was appointed as the Enquiry Officer, who conducted enquiry on the deliquents/the sixth to eighth respondents and concluded as follows: W.P.No.a1a69oofo2014 gpiHahsp K.,isauh?h. fhty; cjtp Ma;thsh;. i4 mgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiyak;. kapyhg;g?h;. brd;id ? 4 vd;gth; kPjhd jz;lidf; nfhg;gpy; gpiHahspf;F tH?;fg;gl;l Fw;wf;Fwpg;ghiz. muRj;jug;g[ rhl;rpfspd; thf;FK:y?;fs;. muRj;jug;g[ rhd;whtz?;fs;. gpiHahspapd; vGj;J K:ykhd rkhjhd tpsf;fk; vjph;jug;g[ rhl;rpfspd; thf;FK:y?;fs; Mfpatw;iw ?h;ikahf ftdpj;J ghprPyid bra;ag;gll; J/ gpiHahsp K.,isauh?h. fhty; cjtp Ma;thsh;. i4 mgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiyak;. kapyhg;g?h;. brd;id ? 4 vd;gth; fle;j 26/11/2014 e; njjp md;W i4 mgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiya vy;iyf;Fl;gl;l brapd;l; nkhP?; nuhL. bfdhy; nuhL re;jpg;gplj;jpy; eilg;bgww; Mh;g;ghl;lj;jpy; fye;Jf;bfhz;l ckhgjp vd;gtiu epiyak; miHj;J brd;W nkw;go fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ,Ue;j fhty; cjtp Ma;thsh; jpUkjp/ fiyrb; ry;tp kw;Wk; jiyikf; fhtyh; jpU/tonty; MfpnahUld; nrh;e;J jhf;fp fhag;gLj;jp bghJkf;fs; kj;jpapy; fhty;Jiwf;F fs?;fj;ija[k; xGf;fj;ija[k; rPh;Fiyit Vw;gLj;jf;?oa braiy bra;jjhf Fw;wk; rhl;lg;gl;Ls;sJ/ bghWg;g[kpf;f fhty; Jiwapy; gzpahw;Wk; gpiHahspapd; kPJ Rkj;jg;gl;Ls;s Fw;wrr; hl;Lrk;ke;jkhf eilg;bgww; tha;bkhHp tprhuizapy; muRj;jug;g[ rhl;rp ?1 jdJ tha;bkhHp tprhuizapd; nghJ gpiHahsp kw;Wk; mtUld; nrh;e;J cjtp Ma;thsh; jpUkjp/ fiyrb; ry;tp kw;Wk; jpU/tonty;. jiyikf;fhtyh; Mfpnahh; xd;W nrh;e;J fhty; epiyaj;jpy; itj;J jd;idjhf;fp fhag;gLj;jpdh; vd bjhptpj;Js;shh;/ Pageo21oofo39 W.P.No.a1a69oofo2014 mth; nkYk.; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; rk;gtaplkhd brapd;l; nkhp?; nuhL. bfdhy; nuhL re;jpg;gplj;jpy; ,Ue;jjhft[k;. fhty; thfdj;jpy; fhty; bry;Yk;tiu moj;J Jd;g[Wj;jpajhft[k;. bjhptpj;Js;sij epU:gpf;Fk; bghUl;L rk;gtaplj;jpypUe;J ifapy; yj;jpia itj;Jf; bfhz;oUe;jjhft[k;. jd;id yj;jpahy; jhf;fpajhft[k; ?wpajw;fhd vt;tpj Mjhu?;fnsh rkh;g;gpf;ftpy;iy/ nkYk.; muRj;jug;g[ rhl;rp?2 % tprhuiz bra;jjpy; mtUk; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; nrh;e;J ckhgjp vd;gtiu jhf;fpajhf vJt[k; ?wtpy;iy/ jd;Dila cah; mjpfhhpfs; jdf;F Mizapl;ljd; nghpnynajhd; Kjy; jfty; mwpf;if jahh; bra;jjhf bjhptpj;Js;shh;/ nkYk; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; fle;j 26/11/2014 e; njjp md;W fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ,Ue;jij cWjpg;gLj;jtpy;iy/ nkYk.; rk;gtj;jpd;nghJ muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?2 jpU/ghh;j;jrhujp fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ,y;iy vd bjhptpj;Js;sjd; K:ykhf rk;gtj;ij mth; nehpy; ghh;j;jpUf;f tha;g;gpy;iy/ nkYk.; muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?3 vd;gth; vGk;g?h; tUtha; nfhl;lhl;rpah; vd;gjhy; mtiu tprhuiz bra;a ,aytpy;iy/ ,Ug;gpDk;. tUtha; nfhl;lhl;rpauhy; elj;jg;gll; tprhuizapd; mwpf;if bgwntz;o K:d;W Kiw fojk; mDg;gg;gl;Lk; mjd; kPjhd vt;tpj mwpf;ifa[k; bgwg;glhky; cs;sJ/ Mfnt. muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?3 mth;fshy; jahh; bra;ag;gll; tprhuiz mwpf;ifapy; vd;d ?wpapUf;fpwhh; vd;gJ bjs;sj; bjspthf bjhpatutpy;iy/ nkYk; tUtha; nfhl;lhl;rpauhy; elj;jg;gll; tprhuizapd;nghJ Pageo22oofo39 W.P.No.a1a69oofo2014 ,rr; k;gtj;jpy; bjhlh;g[ila gpiHahspfshy; bfhzug;gl;l vjph;jug;g[ rhl;rp 1 kw;Wk; 2% tprhuiz bra;ahky; ,Ue;Js;sJ Vw;gilajy;y/ muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?1 ckhgjp vd;gth; jdf;F fhak; Vw;gl;Ls;sij Rlo; f;fhl;o kUj;Jkidapy; rpfpr;ir bgw;Ws;sij itj;J ghh;f;Fk;nghJ ckhgjp vd;gth; fhakile;Js;shh; vd;gJ bjs;sj;bjspthf bjhpa tUfpwJ/ ,f;fha?;fs; nghuhl;lj;jpd;nghnjh my;yJ fhty; thfdj;jpy; kw;Wk; fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ckhgjp vd;gth; jdf;Fj;jhnd Kl;ofb; fhz;lnghJ Vw;glo; Uf;ff;?Lk; vdw; gpiHahspfspd; fUj;ij kWg;gjw;fpy;iy/ Mdhy; ,f;fhakhdJ gpiHahspfshy; Vw;gLj;jg;gl;Ls;sJ vd;gJ kl;Lk; cWjpg;gLj;jg;gltpy;iy/ nkYk.; gpiHahspfis tUtha; nfhl;lhl;rpah; tprhuiz bra;ahky; ,Ue;Js;s brayhdJ gpiHahspfs; jug;g[ epahaj;ij rhptu Muhahky; ,Ue;Js;sjhfnt fUj ntz;oa[s;sJ/ nkYk.; vjph;jug;g[ rhl;rpfs; ,Utiua[k; tprhuiz bra;jjpy; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; ckhgjpia jhf;ftpy;iy vd;gijna vLj;Jf;fhl;Ltjhf cs;sJ/ nkYk.; muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?1 Md ckhgjp vd;gtu; Vw;fdnt muRf;F vjpuhf bray;gLtJk; fhty;JiwapdUld; thf;Fthjj;jpy; ?LgLtJk; thof;ifahf bfhz;Ls;shh; vd;gjw;F mth; kPJ Vw;fdnt gjpt[ bra;ag;gl;l Kjy; jfty; mwpf;ifna (i1okapyhg;g?h; fhty; epiyaFw;wvz;/ 2065-2011 r-gp/ 341. 323. 2?4(gp) 353. 506(1) ,/j/r/) rhd;whf cs;sJ/ muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?1 ckhgjpapd; nkw;goahd elj;ijfs; Kd;gif kw;Wk; fhty;Jiwapdh; kPjhd tpnuhjg;nghf;F fhuzkhf Vd; ,t;thwhd ?w;iw ?wpapUf;ff;?lhJ vd;gjhft[k; Pageo23oofo39 W.P.No.a1a69oofo2014 fUjntz;oa[s;sJ/ muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?1 jpU/ckhgjp vd;gth; jd;kPjhd tHf;if jpirjpUg;gnt ,t;thwhd bray;fspy; ?Lg;gl;Ls;shh; vd gpiHahsp bjhptpj;Js;sJ cz;ikbad fUjntz;oa[s;sJ/ Mfnt. nkw;go rhl;rpa?;fspypUe;Jk;. Rhd;whtz?;fspypUe;Jk;. gpiHahspfspd; ?w;wpypUe;Jk; gpiHahspfs; K:th; kPJk; Rkj;jg;gll; Fw;wrr; hl;lhdJ epU:gzk; Mftpy;iy vd jPh;t[ bra;fpnwd;/

(2) gpiHahsp R.fiyrb; ry;tp. fhty; cjtp Ma;thsu;. K2 omadhtuk; fhty; epiyak; (Kd;dhy; i4o mgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiyak;) vd;gtu; kPjhd jz;likf; nfhg;gpy; gpiHahspf;F tH?;fg;gl;l Fw;wf;Fwpg;ghiz. muRj;jug;g[ rhl;rpfspd; thf;FK:y?;fs;. muRj;jug;g[ rhd;whtz?;fs;. gpiHahspapd; vGj;J K:ykhd rkhjhd tpsf;fk; vjpu;jug;g[ rhl;rpfspd; thf;FK:y?;fs; Mfpatw;iw ?u;ikahf ftdpj;J guprPyiz bra;ag;gll; J/ gpiHahsp R.fiyrb; ry;tp. fhty; cjtp Ma;thsu;. K2omadhtuk; fhty; epiyak; (Kd;dhy; i4 omgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiyak;) vd;gtu; fle;j 26/11/2014 e; njjp md;W i4 omgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ,Ue;jnghJ mgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiya vy;iyf;Fl;gll; brapd;l; nkhP?; nuhL. bfdhy; nuhL re;jpg;gplj;jpy; eilg;bgww; Mu;g;ghl;lj;jpy; fye;Jf;bfhz;l ckhgjp vd;gtiu mgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiya cjtp Ma;thsu; jpU/,isauh?h vd;gtu; epiyak; miHj;J te;jnghJ nkw;go fhty; cjtp Ma;thsu; kw;Wk; jiyikf; fhtyu; jpU/tonty; MfpnahUld; nrh;e;J jhf;fp fhag;gLj;jp bghJkf;fs; kj;jpapy; Pageo24oofo39 W.P.No.a1a69oofo2014 fhty;Jiwf;F fs?;fj;ija[k; xGf;fj;ija[k; rPu;Fiyit Vw;gLj;jf;?oa braiy bra;jjhf Fw;wk; rhl;lg;gl;Ls;sJ/ bghWg;g[kpf;f fhty; Jiwapy; gzpahw;Wk; gpiHahspapd; kPJ Rkj;jg;gl;Ls;s Fw;wrr; hl;L rkk; e;jkhf eilg;bgww; tha;bkhHp tprhuizapy; muRj;jug;g[ rhl;rp?1 jdJ tha;bkhHp tprhuizapd; nghJ gpiHahsp kw;Wk; mtUld; nru;e;J cjtp Ma;thsh; jpU/,isauh?h kw;Wk; jpU/tonty;. jiyikf;fhtyh; Mfpnahh; xd;Wnru;e;J fhty; epiyaj;jpy; itj;J jd;id jhf;fp fhag;gLj;jpdh; vd bjuptpj;Js;shu;/ mth; nkYk.; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; rk;gtaplkhd brapz;l; nkuP?; nuhL. bfdhy; nuhL re;jpg;gplj;jpy; ,Ue;jjhft[k;. fhty; thfdj;jpy; fhty; cjtp Ma;thsh; jpU/,isauh?h mth;fs; jd;id Vww; pf;bfhz;L fhty; epiyak; bry;Yk;tiu moj;J Jd;g[Wj;jpajhft[k;. bjuptpj;Js;sij epUgpf;Fk; K:tUk; rk;gtaplj;jpypUe;J ifapy; yj;jpia itj;Jf; bfhz;oUe;jjhft[k;. jd;id yj;jpahy; jhf;fpajhft[k;. ?wpajw;fhd vt;tpj Mjhu?;fnsh rku;g;gpf;ftpy;iy/ nkYk.; muRj;jug;g[ rhl;rp?2 % tprhuiz bra;jjpy; mtUk; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; nru;e;J ckhgjp vd;gtiu jhf;fpajhf vJt[k; ?wtpy;iy/ jd;Dila cau; mjpfhupfs; jdf;F Mizapl;ljpd; nghpnyna jhd; Kjy; jfty; mwpf;if jahh; bra;jjhf bjhptpj;Js;shh;/ nkYk; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; fle;j 26/11/2014 e; njjp md;W fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ,Ue;jij cWjpg;gLj;jtpy;iy/ nkYk.; rk;gtj;jpd;nghJ muR jug;g[ rhl;rp?2 jpU/ghu;j;jrhujp fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ,y;iy vd bjuptpj;Js;sjd; K:ykhf rk;gtj;ij ,th; nehpy; ghh;j;jpUf;f tha;g;gpy;iy/ Pageo25oofo39 W.P.No.a1a69oofo2014 o nkYk.; muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?2 vd;gtu; vGk;g?h; tUtha; nfhl;lhl;rpah; vd;gjhy; mtiu tprhuiz bra;a ,aytpy;iy/ ,Ug;gpDk;. tUtha; nfhl;lhl;rpauhy; elj;jg;gll; tprhuizapd; mwpf;if bgwntz;o K:d;W Kiw fojk; mDg;gg;gl;Lk; mjd;kPjhd vt;tpj mwpf;ifa[k; bgwglhky; cs;sJ/ Mfnt. muR jug;g[ rhl;rp?3 mtu;fshy; jahh; bra;ag;gl; tprhuiz mwpf;ifapy; vd;d ?wpapUf;fpwhh; vd;gJ bjs;sj; bjspthf bjhpa tutpy;iy/ nkYk; tUtha; nfhl;lhl;rpauhy; elj;jg;gl;l tprhuizapd;nghJ ,r;rk;gtj;jpy; bjhlh;g[ila gpiHahspfshy; bfhzug;gll; vjph;jug;g[ rhl;rp 1 kw;Wk; 2 % tprhuiz bra;ahky; ,Ue;Js;sJ Vw;g[ilajy;y/ muR jug;g[ rhl;rp?1 ckhgjp vd;gth; jdf;F fhak; Vw;gl;Ls;sij Rlo; f;fhl;o kUj;Jtkidapy; rpfpr;ir bgw;Ws;sij itj;J ghh;f;Fk;nghJ ckhgjp vd;gth; fhakile;Js;shh; vd;gJ bjs;sj;bjspthf bjhpa tUfpwJ/ ,f;fha?;fs; Mh;g;ghl;lj;jpd;nghnjh my;yJ fhty; thfdj;jpy; kw;Wk; fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ckhgjp vd;gth; jdf;Fj;jhnd Kl;of;bfhz;lnghJ Vw;glo; Uf;ff;?Lk; vdw; gpiHahspfspd; fUj;ij kWg;gjw;fpy;iy/ Mdhy; ,f;fhakhdJ gpiHahspfshy; Vw;gLj;jg;gl;Ls;sJ vd;gJ kl;Lk; cWjpg;gLj;jg;gltpy;iy/ nkYk.; gpiHahspfis tUtha; nfhl;lhl;rpah; tprhuiz bra;ahky; ,Ue;Js;s brayhdJ gpiHahspfs; jug;g[ epahaj;ij rhptu Muhahky; ,Ue;Js;sjhfnt fUjntz;oa[s;sJ/ nkYk.; vjph;jug;g[ rhl;rpfs; ,Utiua[k; tprhuiz bra;jjpy; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; ckhgjpia jhf;ftpy;iy vd;gijna vLj;Jf;fhl;Ltjhf cs;sJ/ nkYk; muR jug;g[ Pageo26oofo39 W.P.No.a1a69oofo2014 rhl;rp?1 Md ckhgjp vd;gth; Vw;fdnt muRf;F vjpuhf bray;gLtJk;. fhty;JiwapdUld; thf;Fthjj;jpy; ?LgLtJk; thof;ifahf bfhz;Ls;shh; vd;gjw;F mth; kPJ Vw;fdnt gjpt[ bra;ag;gl;l Kjy; jfty; mwpf;ifna (i1oikyhg;g?h; fhty; epiya Fw;w vz;/2065-2011 r-gp/ 341. 323. 2?4(gp) 353. 506(1) ,/j/r/) rhd;whf cs;sJ/ muR jug;g[ rhl;rp 1 ckhgjpapd; nkw;goahd elj;ijfs; Kd;gif kw;Wk; fhty;Jiwapdh; kPjhd tpnuhjg;nghf;F fhuzkhf Vd; ,t;thwhd ?w;iw ?wpapUf;ff;?lhJ vd;gjhft[k; fUj ntz;oa[s;sJ/ muR jug;g[ rhl;rp?1 jpU/ckhgjp vd;gtu; jd;kPjhd tHf;if jpirjpUg;gnt ,t;thwhd bray;fspy; ?Lg;gl;Ls;shh; vd gpiHahspfs; bjhptpj;Js;sJ cz;ikbad fUj ntz;oa[s;sJ/ Mfnt. nkw;go rhl;rpa?;fspypUe;Jk;. Rhd;whtz?;fspypUe;Jk;. gpiHahspfspd; ?w;wpypUe;Jk; gpiHahspfs; K:th; kPJk; Rkj;jg;gll; Fw;wrr; hl;lhdJ epU:gzk; Mftpy;iy vd jPh;t[ bra;fpnwd;/

(3) gpiHahsp R.tonty;. j/fh/20?51. K2o madhtuk; fhty; epiyak; (Kd;dhy; i4omgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiyak;) vd;gth; kPjhdjz;lidf; nfhg;gpy; gpiHahspf;FtH?;fg;gl;lFww; f;Fwpg;ghiz. muRj;jug;g[ rhl;rpfspd; thf;FK:y?;fs; muRj;jug;g[ rhd;whtz?;fs;. gpiHahspapd; vGj;J K:ykhd rkhjhdtpsf;fk; vjph;jug;g[ rhl;rpfspd; thf;FK:y?;fs; Mfpatw;iw ?h;ikahf ftdpj;J ghprPyidbra;ag;gll; J/ Pageo27oofo39 W.P.No.a1a69oofo2014 gpiHahsp R.tonty;. j/fh/20?51. K2o madhtuk; fhty; epiyak; (Kd;dhy; i4omgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiyak;) vd;gth; fle;j 26/11/2014 e; njjp md;W i4 omgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ,Ue;jnghJ mgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiya vy;iyf;Fl;gll; brapd;l; nkhP?; nuhL. bfdhy; nuhL re;jpg;gplj;jpy; eilg;bgww; Mh;g;ghl;lj;jpy; fye;Jf; bfhz;l ckhgjp vd;gtiu mgpuhkg[uk; fhty; epiya cjtp Ma;thsh; jpU/,isauh?h vd;gth; epiyak; miHj;J te;jnghJ nkw;go fhty; cjt pMa;thsh; kw;Wk; jiyikf; fhtyh; jpU/tonty; MfpnahUld; nrh;e;J jhf;fp fhag;gLj;jp bghJkf;fs; kj;jpapy; fhty;Jiwf;F fs?;fj;ija[k; xGf;fj;ija[k; rPh;Fiyit Vw;gLj;jf;?oa braiy bra;jjhf Fw;wk; rhl;lg;gl;Ls;sJ/ o bghWg;g[kpf;f fhty; Jiwapy; gzpahw;Wk; gpiHahspapd; kPJ Rkj;jg;gl;Ls;s Fw;wrr; hl;L rkk; e;jkhf eilg;bgww; tha;bkhHp tprhuizapy; muRj;jug;g[ rhl;rp?1 jdJ tha;bkhHp tprhuizapd;nghJ gpiHahsp kw;Wk; mtUld; nrh;e;J cjtp Ma;thsh;fs; jpU/,isauh?h kw;Wk; jpUkjp/fiyrb; ry;tp Mfpnahh; xd;Wnrh;e;J fhty; epiyaj;jpy; itj;J jd;id jhf;fpfhag;gLj;jpdh; vdbjhptpj;Js;shh;/ mth; nkYk.; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; rk;gtaplkhd brapd;l; nkhP?; nuhL. bfdhy; nuhL re;jpg;gplj;jpy; ,Ue;jjhft[k;. fhty; thfdj;jpy; fhty; cjtp Ma;thsh; jpU/,isauh?h mth;fs; jd;id Vww; pf;bfhz;L fhty; epiyak; bry;Yk;tiu moj;J Jd;g[Wj;jpajhft[k;. bjhptpj;Js;sij epUgpf;Fk; bghUl;L vt;tpj Mjhu?;f?k; rkh;g;gpf;ftpy;iy/ nkYk.; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; rk;gtaplj;jpypUe;J ifapy; yj;jpia itj;Jf; bfhz;oUe;jjhft[k; Pageo28oofo39 W.P.No.a1a69oofo2014 jdi; d yj;jpahy; jhf;fpajhft[k; ?wpajw;fhd vt;tpj Mjhu?;fis rkh;g;gpf;ftpy;iy/ nkYk.; muRj;jug;g[ rhl;rp?1 % tprhizbra;jjpy; mtUk; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; nrh;e;J ckhgjp vd;gtiu jhf;fpajhf vJt[k; ?wtpy;iy/ jd;Dila cah; mjpfhhpfs; jdf;F Mizapl;ljpd; nghpnynajhd; Kjy; jfty; mwpf;if jahh; bra;jjhf bjhptpj;Js;shh;/ nkYk; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; fle;j 26/11/2014 e; njjp md;W fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ,Ue;jij cWjpg;gLj;jtpy;iy/ nkYk.; rk;tj;jpd;nghJ muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?2 jpU/ghh;j;jrhujp fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ,y;iy vd bjhptpj;Js;sjd; K:ykhf rk;gtj;ij ,th; nehpy; ghh;j;jpUf;f tha;g;gpy;iy/ nkYk.; muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?3 vd;gth; vGk;g?h; tUtha; nfhl;lhllr; pah; vd;gjhy; mtiu tprhuiz bra;a ,aytpy;iy/ ,Ug;gpDk;. tUtha; nfhl;lhl;rpauhy; elj;jg;gll; tprhuizapd; mwpf;if bgwntz;o K:d;W Kiw fojk; mDg;gg;gl;Lk; mjd; kPjhd vt;tpj mwpf;ifa[k; bgwg;glhky; cs;sJ/ Mfnt. muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?3 mth;fshy; jahh; bra;ag;gl; tprhuiz mwpf;ifapy; vd;d ?wpapUf;fpwhh; vd;gJ bjs;sj; bjspthf bjhpatutpy;iy/ nkYk; tUtha; nfhl;lhl;rpauhy; elj;jg;gl;l tprhuizapd;nghJ ,r;rk;gtj;jpy; bjhlh;g[ila gpiHahspfshy; bfhzug;gll; vjph;jug;g[ rhl;rp 1 kw;Wk; 2 % tprhuiz bra;ahky; ,Ue;Js;sJ Vw;g[ilajy;y/ muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?1 ckhgjp vd;gth; jdf;F fhak; Vw;gl;Ls;sij Rlo; f;fhl;o kUj;Jtkidapy; rpfpr;ir bgw;Ws;sij itj;J ghh;f;Fk;nghJ ckhgjp vd;gth; fhakile;Js;shh; vd;gJ bjs;sjb; jspthf bjhpatUfpwJ/ ,f;fha?;fs; Mh;g;ghl;lj;jpd;nghnjh my;yJ fhty; thfdj;jpy; Pageo29oofo39 W.P.No.a1a69oofo2014 kw;Wk; fhty; epiyaj;jpy; ckhgjp vd;gtu; jdf;Fj;jhnd Kl;ofb; fhz;lnghJ Vw;glo; Uf;ff;?Lk; vdw; gpiHahspfspd; fUj;ij kWg;gjw;fpy;iy/ Mdhy; ,f;fhakhdJ gpiHahspfshy; Vw;gLj;jg;gl;Ls;sJ vd;gJ kl;Lk; cWjpg;gLj;jg;gltpy;iy/ nkYk.; GpiHahspfis tUtha; nfhl;lhl;rpah; tprhuiz bra;ahky; ,Ue;Js;s brayhdJ gpiHahspfs; jug;g[ epahaj;ij rhptu Muhahky; ,Ue;Js;sjhfnt fUjntz;oa[s;sJ/ nkYk.; vjpu;jug;g[ rhl;rpfs; ,Utiua[k; tprhuiz bra;jjpy; gpiHahspfs; K:tUk; ckhgjpia jhf;ftpy;iy vd;gijna vLj;Jf;fhl;Ltjhf cs;sJ/ nkYk; muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?1 Md ckhgjp vd;gtu; Vw;fdnt muRf;F vjpuhf bray;gLtJk; fhty;JiwapdUld; thf;Fthjj;jpy; ?LgLtJk; thof;ifahf bfhz;Ls;sJ vd;gjw;F mth; kPJ Vw;fdnt gjpt[ bra;ag;gl;l Kjy; jfty; mwpf;ifna(i1 okapyhg;g?h; fhty; epiya Fw;w vz;/ 2065-2011 r-gp/ 341. 323. 2?4(gp) 353. 506(1) ,/j/r/)rhd;whf cs;sJ/ muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?1 ckhgjpia nkw;goahd elj;ijfs; Kd;gif kw;Wk; fhty;Jiwapdh; kPjhd tpnuhjg;nghf;F fhuzkhf Vd; ,t;thwhd ?w;iw ?wpapUf;ff;?lhJ vd;gjhft[k; fUjntz;oa[s;sJ/ muRjug;g[ rhl;rp?1 jpU/ckhgjp vd;gth; jd ;kPjhd tHf;if jpirjpUg;gnt ,t;thwhd bray;fspy; ?Lg;gl;Ls;shh; vd gpiHahspfs; bjhptpj;Js;sJ cz;ikbadfUjntz;oa[s;sJ/ Mfnt. nkw;go rhl;rpa?;fspypUe;Jk;. rhd;whtz?;fspypUe;Jk;. gpiHahspfspd; ?w;wpypUe;Jk; gpiHahspfs; K:th; kPJk; Rkj;jg;gll; Fw;wrr; hl;lhdJ epU:gzk; Mftpy;iy vd jPh;t[ bra;fpnwd;/? Pageo30oofo39 Thus, the Enquiry Officer concluded that the charges against the sixth to eighth respondents were not proved. It is pertinent to note that the three reports are in a stereo typed manner and in the same verbatim. It is curious to note that whether the injuries sustained by the petitioner had occurred due to road roko or when the petitioner was taken to the Police Station or he himself hit the vehicle and sustained injuries. He was not attacked by the sixth to eighth respondents and he foisted a false case as against them since already he had enmity against the sixth to eighth respondents, pursuant to the registration of FIR against him in Crime No.206 of 2011.

¶18That apart, the first respondent passed an order in G.O.Ms.No.1033 on 22.12.2017, taking disciplinary action against the sixth to eighth respondents. However, the Enquiry Officer conducted an enquiry and submitted his report only on 16.02.2021. On receipt of the enquiry report, the disciplinary authority,viz., the Joint Commissioner of Police, East Zone, Chennai, passed an order dated 04.03.2021, dropping further action against the sixth to eighth respondents . It is a sorry state of affairs that the Enquiry Officer concluded as stated above as if the petitioner foisted a false compliant as against the sixth to eighth respondents and the injuries sustained by him during the road roko and while travelling in the police vehicle, though there are clinching evidences to show that the injuries sustained by the petitioner were only due to the brutal attack by the sixth to eighth respondents . In fact, the Revenue Divisional Officer conducted a detailed enquiry and submitted his detailed report.

¶19Accordingly, as per the report, the sixth to eighth respondents had brutally attacked the petitioner due to which he sustained injuries all over his body. Therefore, the Revenue Divisional Officer recommended for disciplinary action against the sixth to eighth respondents and also ordered for compensation. The Enquiry Officer simply flouted the enquiry report submitted by the Revenue Divisional Officer in air and as usual, concluded that the petitioner sustained injuries due to various other reasons and not by the alleged attack by the sixth to eighth respondents . The Enquiry Officer had given a clean chit to the sixth to eighth respondents, though there are clinching evidences against them. It shows that the Enquiry Officer has acted in a biased manner and concluded his report in favour of the sixth to eighth respondents. At this juncture, it is appropriate to quote the following observation of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in D.K.Basu Vs. State of West Bengal reported in AIR 1997 SC 610: "Custodial death is perhaps one of the worst crimes in a civilised society governed by the rule of law. The rights inherent in Articles 21 and (1) of the Constitution require to be jealously and scrupulously protected. We canot wash away the problem. Any form of tourture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment would fall within the inhibition of Article 21 of the Constitution, whether it occurs during investigation, interrogation or otherwise. If the functionaries of the Government become law-breakers, it is bound to breed contempt for law and would encourage lawlessness and every man would have the tendencty to become law unto himself thereby leading to anarchanism."

¶20The rights of the petitioner as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India cannot be denied. He was brutally attacked by the sixth to eighth respondents and he sustained injuries for no fault committed by him. The only reason for the said occurrence is that the petitioner, being a reporter of a Tamil Weekly, had taken photographs of the police personnel when they indulged in illegal activities. The petitioner was taken to Police Station and he was brutally attacked by the sixth to eighth respondents. Hence, the entire disciplinary proceedings against the sixth to eighth respondents are vitiated and denovo enquiry to be conducted by not below the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police.

¶21Insofar as compensation is concerned, as directed by the Revenue Divisional Officer, the petitioner was paid compensation of Rs.1,00,000/- for the injuries and mental agony suffered by him during his custody. However, the petitioner sought compensation of Rs.25,00,000/-. The Government had sanctioned financial assistance to the victims who were tortured and injured by the police as per G.O.Ms.No.369 (Public) L&O department dated 06.04.2015 and accordingly, the financial relief payable for the victims in the case of torture which is proved by the Judicial Magistrate or Revenue Divisional Officer enquiry is Rs.1,00,000/-. Therefore, the petitioner's request for compensation of Rs.25,00,000/- cannot be considered by this Court.

¶22Though the fifth respondent registered an FIR as against the sixth to eighth respondents in Crime No.3119 of 2014 for the offences under Sections 341 and 324 IPC, the fifth respondent is keeping the file in cold storage without proceeding with any further investigation. The FIR was registered in the year 2014 itself. Even after 9 years, no action has been taken as against the accused. In fact, the sixth to eighth respondents are still working in their respective Police Station. The fifth respondent should have completed the investigation as per the report submitted by the Revenue Divisional Officer dated 07.07.2017. However, as already stated the fifth respondent had kept the FIR in cold storage for the reason best known to it.

¶23In view of the above, this Court issues the following directions:-

(i) The entire disciplinary proceedings and final order dated

04.03.2021 on the file of the Joint Commissioner of Police, East Zone, Chennai are set aside.

(ii) The third respondent shall appoint an Enquiry Officer not below the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police to conduct a De novo enquiry within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

(iii) The Enquiry Officer shall complete the enquiry and submit his report within a period of twelve (12) weeks thereafter. On receipt of the same, the Disciplinary Authority, viz., the Joint Commissioner of Police, East Zone, Chennai, shall pass final orders within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of the enquiry report.

(iv) The third respondent shall initiate appropriate disciplinary action as against this Enquiry Officer, viz., Mr.Adhiveerapandian, Deputy Commissioner of Police for conducting a shabby enquiry and submitting his report ignoring the overwhelming clinching evidence in order to favour the delinquents, viz., respondents 6 to 8.

(v) The entire investigation in Crime No.3119 of 2014 on the file of the fifth respondent is hereby withdrawn and transferred to the file of the CBCID for a fair and proper investigation.

(vi) The fifth respondent shall hand over the entire case diary in Crime No.3119 of 2014 to the file of the Inspector of Police, CBCID,Chennai. On receipt of the entire case diary, the Investigation Officer of the CBCID, Chennai, shall complete the investigation and file a final report within a period of twelve

(12) weeks from the date of receipt of the case diary.

(vii) Moreover, to spill oil over the fire, after the brutal attack on the petitioner, the fifth respondent foisted a false case as against the petitioner and others in order to escape from the clutches of law. Therefore, both the FIR's registered against the petitioner in Crime Nos.3117 of 2014 and 3118 of 2014 cannot be sustained and both are liable to be quashed and the same are accordingly quashed. While doing so, this Court is not oblivious of the fact that the said FIR's are not challenged in this writ petition. With the above directions, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

17.10.2023 veda/vca Internet: Yes/No Index : Yes/No Speaking/Non speaking order To

¶1The Chief Secretary to Government,

Chief Secretariat,

St.George Fort,

Chennai-600 008.

¶2The Secretary to Government,

Home Department,

Chief Secretariat,

St.George Fort,

Chennai – 600 008.

¶3The Director General of Police,

Mylapore,

Chennai – 600 004.

¶4The Commissioner of Police,

Commissioner Office, Vepperi,

Chennai.

¶5The Inspector of Police,

E-4, Abiramaburam Police Station,

Chennai.

¶6The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras. G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN. J, veda/vca

17.10.2023

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 17.10.2023 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN and W.M.P.Nos.1 to 4 of 2014 Umapathi ...Petitioner Vs. 1. The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep.by the Chief Secretary to Government, Chief Secretariat, St.George Fort, Chennai- 600 008. 2. The Secretary to Government, Home Department, Chief Secretariat, St.George Fort, Chennai – 600 008. 3. The Director General of Police, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004. 4. The Commissioner of Police, Commissioner Office, Vepperi, Chennai. 5. The Inspector of Police, E-4, Abiramaburam Police Station, Chennai. 6. Ilayaraja 7. Vadivelu 8. Kaliaselvi ...Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 4 to take action against the respondents 6 to 8 departmentally for their involvement in Crime No.3119 of 2014 dated 26.11.2014 on the file of the fifth respondent police, E- 4, Abiramapuram Police Station, Chennai and further direct the respondents 1 and 2 to pay Rs.25,00,000/- (Twenty Five Lakhs Only) as compensation to the petitioner for the physical violence done to him by the respondent from 6 to 8 on 26.11.2014. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Thirumoorthy For R1 & R2 : Mr.V. Ramesh Government Advocate For R3 to R5 : Mr.L.Baskaran Government Advocate (Crl.Side) For R6 : Mr.K.Rajendra Prasad For R8 : Mr.N.S. Siva Kumar