A.Ashok Kumar v. The District Collector,

ORDER This writ petition has been filed challenging the order dated 01.07.2025 on the file of the fourth respondent, thereby the complaint lodged by the petitioner was closed and the petitioner was directed to approach the Court for appropriate relief.

2.The petitioner lodged complaint against the respondents 6 to 9 before the fourth respondent and on receipt of the same, the fourth respondent issued CSR to the petitioner in CSR No.231/2025 and after conducting detailed enquiry found that the entire allegations against the respondents 6 to 9 are civil in nature and directed the petitioner to approach the civil Court for appropriate relief.

3.The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the allegations attract the offence under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and therefore, the fourth respondent has no jurisdiction to enquire the complaint lodged by the petitioner and the complaint should be enquired only by the third respondent.

4.On a perusal of the records and the submissions made by the learned Counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side) reveal that the complaint was lodged before the fourth respondent and the same was enquired by the fourth respondent for registration of FIR. Even for the offence under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Inspector of Police has got jurisdiction to register FIR under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Only thereafter, investigation should be conducted by the officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police. The fourth respondent found that the allegations against the respondents 6 to 9 are civil in nature and directed the petitioner to approach the appropriate Court. This Court finds no infirmity or illegality in the order dated 01.07.2025 passed by the fourth respondent.

5.The writ petition is dismissed. 07-07-2026 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes To

1.The District Collector, Office of the Collectorate, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.

2.The District Additional Superintendent of Police, Office of the District Superintendent of Police, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District - 607 001.

3.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Neyveli, Cuddalore District - 607 801.

4.The Inspector of Police, Kullanchavadi Police Station, Kullanchavadi, Cuddalore District.

5.The Thasildar Office of the Thasildar, Kurinjipadi, Kurinjipadi Taluk, Cuddalore District.

6.Rajarathinam

7.Palanivelu Son of Rasakannu

8.Hamsa Wife of Rajamanickam

9.Ramachandran 6 to 9 all are residing at Pathirakottai Village and post, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District.

10.The Public Prosecutor Madras High Court Chennai – 600 104. G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN J. pri WP Crl. No. 1409 of 2025

07-07-2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 07-07-2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE G.K. ILANTHIRAIYAN A.Ashok Kumar Son of J.Arumugam, East Street, Puliyur West and Post, Kurinjipadi Taluk, Cuddalore District - 607 302. Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The District Collector, Office of the Collectorate, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District. 2.The District Additional Superintendent of Police, Office of the District Superintendent of Police, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District - 607 001. 3.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Neyveli, Cuddalore District - 607 801. 4.The Inspector of Police, Kullanchavadi Police Station, Kullanchavadi, Cuddalore District. 5.The Thasildar Office of the Thasildar, Kurinjipadi, Kurinjipadi Taluk, Cuddalore District. 6.Rajarathinam 7.Palanivelu Son of Rasakannu 8.Hamsa Wife of Rajamanickam 9.Ramachandran 6 to 9 all are residing at Pathirakottai Village and Post, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District. Respondent(s) PRAYER Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking to issue Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for records relating to the Impugned Order in Na.Ka.No.771/Tha.A.U.Sa/2025/koo.Ka.K.Tha/Cuddalore/ 2025 dated 01.07.2025 on the file of the 4th Respondent and quash the same and consequently direct the 3rd Respondent to investigate and take further action on the Petitioners complaint dated 10.03.2025 by vide section 17(1) of THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) ACT, 1989. For Petitioner(s): Mr.S.Arokia Mani Raj For Respondent(s): Mr.R.Ganesh Kumar for R1 to R5 Counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side) High Court of Madras Assisted by Mr.Mohammed Imran.A