The Supreme Court on June 18 raised strong objections over the suspension of Tamil Nadu’s Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) HM Jayaram, calling the Madras High Court’s order directing his arrest in an abduction case “shocking”.
A bench of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan was hearing Jayaram’s plea challenging the High Court’s arrest direction issued during the hearing of an anticipatory bail plea filed by an accused in the case.
“You can’t do this. This is very demoralising,” remarked Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, questioning the necessity of suspending a senior officer with 28 years of service who has already joined the investigation.
Jayaram was reportedly arrested on June 16 and released on June 17 around 5 PM, as informed by his counsel. However, the State's counsel claimed there was no formal arrest and confirmed that Jayaram had joined the investigation.
Despite this, Jayaram was placed under suspension. The Court questioned the move and directed the State counsel to obtain instructions on possibly withdrawing the suspension.
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“You obtain instructions to withdraw the suspension order, he’s a senior police officer,” said Justice Ujjal Bhuyan to the State’s counsel.
Expressing concern over the Madras High Court’s direction to arrest Jayaram during an anticipatory bail hearing, Justice Ujjal Bhuyan remarked:
“These types of orders, it is shocking actually.”
Justice Manmohan added, partly in jest:
“I have been a judge for 18 years. I never knew I had this power [to direct arrest].”
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The Court has now posted the matter for further hearing on the following day, directing the State to clarify whether the suspension order will be withdrawn.
The controversy stems from an abduction case involving KV Kuppam MLA “Poovai” Jagan Moorthy. The case was registered at Thiruvallur Police Station based on a complaint filed by a woman named Lakshmi.
According to Lakshmi, her elder son had married a girl without the girl’s family’s consent. In retaliation, the girl’s family, along with others, reportedly barged into Lakshmi’s home in search of the couple. Failing to find them, they allegedly abducted her younger son, aged 18.
She further alleged that her son was later found with injuries, dropped near a hotel — allegedly in the official vehicle of ADGP Jayaram. It was also claimed that MLA Jagan Moorthy was involved in the conspiracy.
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Justice P Velmurugan of the Madras High Court, while hearing the anticipatory bail plea of the MLA, directed that action be taken against ADGP Jayaram as per law. The judge emphasised the accountability of public servants:
“A strong message should go out to the public that no one is above the law.”
The Supreme Court, however, has taken serious note of the procedural irregularities and harsh stance taken by the High Court, especially in terms of ordering the arrest and subsequent suspension of a senior police officer not named in the original petition.
Case Details: H.M.JAYARAM v. THE INSPECTOR OF POLICE AND ANR|Diary No. 33224-2025
