Shanmuga Deepa v. The State Rep. by the Additional Chief Secretary to Government

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by Sunder Mohan J.) The wife of the detenu – Esakkiraja @ Chinnathambi, S/o.Kasi, aged 35 years, has filed this petition challenging the detention order dated

20.08.2025, branding him as 'Goonda' under Section 2(f) of the Tamil Nadu Preventive Detention Act, 1982 (Act 14/1982).

¶2We have heard learned counsel for petitioner and learned Additional Public Prosecutor for respondents.

¶3Though several grounds have been raised, we are of the view that the detention order is liable to be quashed on the ground that the satisfaction of the detaining authority as regards the real possibility of the detenu coming out on bail suffers from non-application of mind.

¶4The detaining authority has relied upon a statement said to have been made by the sister of the detenu under Section 180(3) of the BNSS that she is taking steps to file a bail application in the ground case. However, we find that the said statement is neither dated nor signed. We have in HCP No. 1684 of 2025 vide order dated 01.04.2026, held that, the unsigned statement cannot be relied upon to infer that the detenu is likely to file bail application.

5.Therefore, the reliance placed on the said statement by the detaining authority to arrive at the satisfaction that there is a real possibility of the detenu coming out on bail is misconceived. The inference that the detenu would indulge in further criminal activities after his release also is without any basis. Hence, the detention order is liable to be quashed.

¶6In light of the aforesaid discussion, this Habeas Corpus Petition is allowed and the Detention Order passed by the second respondent in C.M.P.No.43/Goonda/Salem City/2025 dated 20.08.2025 is set aside.

¶7The detenu, viz., Esakkiraja @ Chinnathambi, S/o.Kasi, aged 35 years, who is now confined in Central Prison, Salem, is hereby directed to be set at liberty forthwith unless his presence is required in connection with any other case. (A.S.M.,J.) (S.M.,J.) 27-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Note: Issue order today. ars To

¶1The Additional Chief Secretary to Government Department of Home, Prohibition and Excise, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai - 600 009.

¶2The Commissioner of Police Commissioner Office, Sankari Main Road, Linemedu, Gugai, Salem-636 001.

¶3The Superintendent of Prisons Central Prison, Salem-636 007.

¶4The Superintendent of Prisons Central Prison, Arisipperiyankuppam, Cuddalore-607 003.

¶5The Sub-Inspector of Police Hasthampatti Police Station, No.14, W Vinayagar Kovil St., MBS Nagar, Hasthampatti, Salem-636 007.

¶6The Public Prosecutor High Court of Madras. HCPoNo.276oofo2026 DR.ANITAoSUMANTH,oJ. AND SUNDERoMOHAN,oJ. ars HCPoNo.o276oofo2026 27-04-2026 Pageo6oofo6

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 27-04-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE DR.JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN Shanmuga Deepa ...Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The State Rep. by The Additional Chief Secretary to Government Department of Home, Prohibition and Excise, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai - 600 009. 2. The Commissioner of Police Commissioner Office, Sankari Main Road, Linemedu, Gugai, Salem- 636 001. 3. The Superintendent of Prisons Central Prison, Salem- 636 007. 4. The Superintendent of Prisons Central Prison, Arisipperiyankuppam, Cuddalore- 607 003. 5. The Sub- Inspector of Police Hasthampatti Police Station, No.14, W Vinayagar Kovil St., MBS Nagar, Hasthampatti, Salem- 636 007. ...Respondent(s) Prayer : Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Habeas Corpus, calling for the records pertaining to the order of detention passed by the 2nd respondent in Cr.M.P.No. 43/Goonda/Salem City/2025 D1 dated 20.08.2025 against Esakkiraja @ Chinnathambi, M/A35 years, S/o.Kasi, No. 105-1/54, Arumuganeri, Perumalpuram, Tiruchendur Taluk, Thoothukudi District - 628 215, to be confined in Central Prison, Salem presently confined in Central Prison, Cuddalore and set aside the impugned order and direct the respondents to produce the detenu before this Court and set him at liberty. For Petitioner: Ms.Thenmozhi Shivaperumal For Respondent(s): Mr. R. Muniyapparaj Additional Public Prosecutor assisted By Mr. M. Sylvester John