Chennai: Madras high court ordered an inquiry to check if there was any negligence on the part of the policemen present in the Tirunelveli district court complex, when an accused was murdered near the court premises. A division bench of Justice S M Subramaniam and Justice C Kumarappan passed the interim order on a suo motu plea initiated by the court.
“About 12 policemen were present in the court premises during the incident, but they did not even attempt to apprehend the offenders. Such negligence required an inquiry and subsequent action,” the bench said. The court, however, appreciated the bravery of special sub-inspector Uikattan, who, with the help of the lawyers and public, chased and apprehended one of the assailants.
Pointing to the audacity and ease with which the assailants committed the grave crime just outside the court gates and fled, the bench remarked, “The presence of offenders in court premises is a matter of concern.” It further stated such incidents would create a sense of fear among the litigants and witnesses, who may be reluctant to testify against offenders in the future.
State public prosecutor Hassan Mohamed Jinnah submitted the policemen present in the court quickly reacted to the incident and nabbed one of the assailants. He denied the allegations the police did not react quickly to nab the culprits. Additional Advocate General J Ravindran informed the court about the action taken to strengthen the security and safety in the court premises. TNN
