Nalini @ Punitha v. The State by Inspector of Police

ORDER This Criminal Original Petition has been filed, seeking to direct the respondent police not to harass the petitioners.

¶2The learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that, a false complaint has been given by the 2nd respondent, alleging that the second petitioner had received money on the promise of securing a job in the year 2022. According to the learned counsel, the petitioners are husband and wife. The 2nd petitioner is employed in a Catholic Chruch at Vellore, while the first petitioner is a house wife. It is submitted that the petitioners had no occasion to meet the 2nd respondent for any purpose.

2.1. The learned counsel further submitted that the 2nd respondent had dealings with one Kathiravan, who is employed in the Electricity Department, Ponnai near Vallimalai Village. It is stated that there exists prior enmity in respect of sexual harassment by the said Kathiravan against the first petitioner. Based on the said complaint, a case was registered and subsequently it was charge sheeted pending on the file of Judicial Magistrate-V, Vellore in S.T.C.No.1399 of 2025. It is further submitted that, finding the investigation in the said case is not properly conducted, the second petitioner had submitted a representation to the higher police official seeking proper investigation. However, no action was taken by the respondent police.

¶3Per contra, the learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) appearing for the first respondent submitted that, based on the complaint given by the 2nd respondent, the petitioners are involved in the job rocket case, summons was served to the petitioners on 22.05.2026, directing them to appear before the respondent police on 29.05.2026. However, the petitioners have failed to appear before the respondent police. He further submitted that evading the summons, the petitioners have now projected the enquiry as police harassment.

¶4Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record.

¶5In view of the above made by the learned counsel on either side, it is made clear that if the petitioners have any explanation to offer, including with regard to the representation submitted to the higher police official regarding the case against the said Kathiravan, the same shall be placed before the first respondent. The petitioners are directed to appear before the first respondent police on 16.06.2026 without fail and co-operate with the enquiry. The first respondent police shall thereafter proceed in accordance with law. If the presence of the petitioners are required for any further enquiry, summons would be served to them in accordance with law.

¶6With the above direction, this Criminal Original Petition stands disposed of. 11-06-2026 Jd To

¶1The Inspector of Police, District Crime Branch, District Police Office, Vellore 632009. Crime No. Not Known/2026

¶2The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras. M.NIRMAL KUMAR J. jd

11-06-2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 11-06-2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M. NIRMAL KUMAR 1. Nalini @ Punitha 2. Mr. Vetrivel Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The State by Inspector of Police District Crime Branch, District Police Office, Vellore 632009. Crime No. Not Known/2026 2.V. Arul Mozhi Respondent(s) PRAYER: Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 528 of BNSS, seeking to direct the respondent police not to harass the petitioners and pass such further or other orders as this Court. For Petitioner(s): Mr.D.A.Sugumar For Respondent(s): Mr.A.Amarnath Government Advocate (Crl. Side) for R1