The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered the transfer of investigation in a criminal case arising out of a disturbance at a public meeting on alleged illegal quarrying activities in Tirunelveli district. The Court held that the local police had failed to conduct a fair and complete investigation and directed that the matter be entrusted to another investigating agency or officer.
Background of the Case
The petition was filed by Jayaram Venkatesan, convener of Arappor Iyakkam, and advocate Dr. V. Suresh. According to them, a meeting was organised on 2 November 2025 to hear grievances of residents and farmers allegedly affected by quarrying operations.
The petitioners claimed that a group of advocates entered the venue during the event, disrupted the proceedings and allegedly created a commotion. They also stated that Dr. Suresh suffered a head injury after a chair was thrown during the incident.
Although a complaint was submitted by the organisers, the police registered a case based on a complaint from a police official who was present at the spot.
Court's Observations
After examining the case diary and records, Justice B. Pugalendhi found several shortcomings in the investigation.
The Court noted that statements of the organisers, participants and the injured person were not recorded. It also observed that videos and photographs of the incident, which were reportedly available through media personnel and attendees, were not collected.
“The purpose of investigation is to find out the truth,”
the Court observed, adding that the investigating agency had not examined several crucial witnesses.
The bench further remarked that the right to a fair investigation forms part of the protection guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
According to the Court, the investigation appeared to have been completed in a hurried manner without verifying important evidence that could have helped establish what actually happened at the meeting.
Decision
Holding that the investigation was not conducted fairly, the High Court allowed the petition and ordered transfer of the probe from the Palayamkottai Police Station.
The Court directed the Commissioner of Police, Tirunelveli, to retrieve the final report already submitted before the Judicial Magistrate and forward the records to the Inspector General of Police, CBCID, within two weeks.
The Inspector General was directed to assign the case either to CBCID or another competent investigating officer and ensure a fair investigation. The Court also ordered that a fresh final report be filed within three months.
With these directions, the criminal original petition was allowed and the connected miscellaneous petition was closed.
Case Details:
Case Title: Jayaram Venkatesan & Anr. v. Inspector General of Police & Ors.
Case Number: Crl.O.P.(MD) No.7419 of 2026
Judge: Justice B. Pugalendhi
Decision Date: 19 June 2026
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