The Madras High Court has directed authorities to ensure police protection for a man and his family after he alleged that he was prevented from entering his native village following his inter-caste marriage. The Court also ordered the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) to conduct an inquiry into the allegations of social boycott and pass appropriate orders within 12 weeks.
Background of the Case
The petitioner approached the High Court through a criminal writ petition, seeking a direction for a proper investigation into his complaint and police protection for himself and his brother to live in their house in Mayiladuthurai district.
According to the petition, after the petitioner entered into an inter-caste marriage, certain villagers, who were allegedly acting as village headmen, opposed the marriage. He claimed that he was prevented from entering the village and that his house was locked, forcing him to stay elsewhere.
The Court noted that an FIR had already been registered on the petitioner's complaint, and the investigation was pending. The petitioner further alleged that despite the registration of the case, he continued to face obstruction in returning to his home. A peace committee meeting was also convened by the local authorities, but the private respondents did not attend.
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Court's Observations
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan observed that the grievances raised by the petitioner required action from both the revenue and police authorities.
The bench directed the petitioner to submit a fresh complaint before the Revenue Divisional Officer. It further ordered the RDO to issue notices to the concerned private respondents, conduct an inquiry, and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law within 12 weeks.
The Court observed,
"The third respondent... is directed to issue notices... conduct an enquiry, and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law within a period of 12 weeks."
The High Court also instructed the investigating officer to complete the investigation in the already registered criminal case and file the final report within 12 weeks.
In addition, the Court directed the police to provide adequate protection to the petitioner and his family members to ensure their safety.
The bench stated,
"The sixth respondent is directed to provide adequate police protection to the petitioner and his family members."
Decision
Disposing of the writ petition, the Madras High Court directed the Revenue Divisional Officer to hold an inquiry into the complaint of social boycott within 12 weeks, ordered the police to complete the pending investigation within the same period, and instructed the authorities to provide adequate police protection to the petitioner and his family members.
The connected miscellaneous petition was also closed.
Case Details
Case Title: Pazhaniyappan v. The District Collector and Others
Case Number: WP Crl. No. 1178 of 2025
Judge: Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan
Decision Date: 30 June 2026
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