Supreme Court Overturns Arrest Order for Tamil Nadu Police Chief in Abduction Case

Supreme Court's Ruling

On Thursday, the Supreme Court nullified a directive from the Madras High Court that mandated the arrest of Tamil Nadu's Additional Director General of Police, HM Jayaram, in connection with the abduction of a 17-year-old boy.

The apex court also decided to transfer the investigation to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) of Tamil Nadu, a move that the state government consented to.

Additionally, the Supreme Court requested the chief justice of the Madras High Court to assign the abduction-related matters to a different bench than the one currently handling Jayaram's case.

Previously, on June 16, the Madras High Court had ordered Jayaram's arrest in a kidnapping case that implicated Kilvaithinakuppam MLA Poovai M Jagan Moorthy as well. Jayaram claimed he was detained for approximately 24 hours, while the state asserted he merely participated in the investigation.

The incident originated from a complaint lodged by Lakshmi, whose elder son had married against his wife's family's wishes. To evade potential retaliation, the couple went into hiding. In an attempt to locate them, the woman's relatives allegedly abducted Lakshmi's younger son with the assistance of hired individuals.

The 17-year-old was later discovered abandoned near a hotel, showing signs of injury. Investigators found that a vehicle associated with Jayaram was reportedly involved in the abduction.

Reports indicate that the woman's family had also sought assistance from MLA Moorthy, who is accused of participating in the abduction and obstructing police inquiries by gathering supporters around his home.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court expressed astonishment at the High Court's order for Jayaram's arrest, with Justice Bhuyan stating, “I have been a judge for 18 years. I never knew I had this power [to direct arrest].”

The Supreme Court further questioned the Tamil Nadu government regarding the suspension of the officer if he had not been arrested.

On Thursday, attorney Siddharth Dave, representing the Tamil Nadu government, clarified that Jayaram's suspension was not a result of the High Court's order. Instead, it was executed in accordance with the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, which allows for the suspension of a civil servant under criminal investigation.

Dave indicated that the continuation of Jayaram's suspension would depend on the outcome of the investigation.