The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has taken serious note of alleged police inaction following an incident involving the court-appointed Administrator of the historic Pachaiyappa’s Trust. Expressing strong displeasure, the court observed that failure to act on a complaint concerning intimidation of a judicial appointee amounts to an attack on the authority of the judiciary itself.
The order was passed on January 8, 2026, by a Division Bench comprising Justice G. Jayachandran and Justice K. Kumaresh Babu while hearing a review petition linked to the long-running Pachaiyappa’s Trust dispute.
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Background of the Case
The matter arises out of Review Application No.116 of 2023, filed in connection with earlier proceedings relating to the administration of Pachaiyappa’s Trust. Due to prolonged allegations of mismanagement, the High Court had earlier appointed a former judge as Administrator to oversee the affairs of the Trust.
The Administrator assumed charge in December 2023 and has since been managing the Trust’s administration, including financial audits, governance issues, and pending litigations involving appointments and property matters.
Incident That Triggered Court Action
According to a report submitted to the court, an alarming incident occurred on December 23, 2025. Unidentified persons allegedly entered the college premises and misbehaved with the court-appointed Administrator. The report stated that abusive language was used and the conduct was clearly aimed at intimidating the official.
Despite a formal complaint being submitted to the jurisdictional police, no action was taken.
The court noted with concern that the Administrator, being an extension of the court itself, was left without protection or response from law enforcement authorities.
Court’s Observations
Taking a stern view of the matter, the Bench observed that the incident went beyond a routine law-and-order issue.
“The abuse of a court-appointed Administrator and the complete inaction by the police amount to a direct affront to the authority of this Court,” the Bench remarked.
The judges noted that the Administrator was discharging judicially entrusted duties and any obstruction to such functions cannot be treated lightly. The court also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of response despite the seriousness of the complaint.
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Directions to Police Authorities
In a strong move, the High Court issued notices to:
- Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu
- Commissioner of Police, Chennai
- Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kilpauk
The court directed them to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for failing to act on the complaint.
The Registry was instructed to serve copies of the order and the Administrator’s report to the Advocate General and the Public Prosecutor.
Related Developments in Trust Administration
During the hearing, the court also took note of ongoing issues concerning the Trust, including:
- Pending litigation regarding modification of the Trust’s governing scheme
- Appeals pending before the Supreme Court
- Allegations of illegal faculty appointments made earlier
- Audit irregularities and misappropriation of funds
- Delay in conducting elections to the Trust body
The Administrator was asked to file a detailed report on representations received regarding voter lists and election procedures, which would assist the court in deciding the next course of action.
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Court’s Direction
The Bench directed all concerned police officials to appear before the court, either personally or through counsel, and submit a detailed report on January 30, 2026.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on that date.
Case Title: G. Anbazhagan vs S. Jeyachandran & Others
Case Number: Review Application No. 116 of 2023
Decision Date: 08 January 2026
