Senthil Kumar v. The District Collector, Tirunelveli

ORDER This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents 2 to 4 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 04.06.2026 and conduct an enquiry regarding the assault, humiliation and threats caused by the concerned police personnel and take appropriate action in accordance with law.

¶2The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner had sustained grievous injuries allegedly at the hands of the police personnel. However, despite being the victim, an FIR had been registered against the petitioner, making him a victim of the circumstances.

¶3The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondent police submitted that the petitioner is a history-sheeter against whom as many as 11 criminal cases have been registered and that he is a habitual offender. He further placed before this Court a video purportedly showing the petitioner threatening the police holding a sickle in his hand.

¶4The learned counsel for the petitioner also placed before this Court a video purportedly showing a police officer barging into the petitioner's house and assaulting the petitioner.

¶5It is needless to point out that whenever a representation of this nature is made to a Statutory Authority, there is a duty cast upon him to consider the same on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in one way or other, instead of keeping the same pending indefinitely. As such, non-consideration of the representation by the Statutory Authority would amount to dereliction of duty and hence, this Court will be justified in invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and direct them to consider the same within a stipulated time.

¶6Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the second respondent is directed to consider the petitioner's representation dated

04.06.2026 and pass appropriate orders, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶7It is made clear that the higher authorities of the fourth respondent shall not initiate any disciplinary proceedings against the fourth respondent solely on account of his having paid the costs of Rs.25,000/- pursuant to the order of this Court dated 09.07.2026.

¶8This writ petition is disposed with the above directions.

14.07.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm TO:-

¶1The District Collector, Tirunelveli, Tiruneveli District.

¶2The Superintendent of Police, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District.

¶3The Deputy Superintendent of Prison, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District.

¶4The Inspector of Police, Panagudi Police Station, Panagudi, Tirunelveli District.

¶5The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Sm Dated

14.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 14.07.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Senthil Kumar ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli, Tiruneveli District. 2. The Superintendent of Police, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District. 3. The Deputy Superintendent of Prison, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District. 4. The Inspector of Police, Panagudi Police Station, Panagudi, Tirunelveli District. ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 2 to 4 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 04.06.2026 and conduct an enquiry regarding the assault, humiliation and threats caused by the concerned police personnel and take appropriate action in accordance with law. For Petitioner : Mr.R.L.Dhilipan Pandian for Mr.M.P.Sunil For Respondents : Mr.M.R.Priyanka Jothi (R1) Government Advocate (Crl.Side) Mr.C.Susikumar (R2 to R4) Government Advocate (Crl.Side)