This HC for Maharashtra-type law to curb crime in State

Tamil Nadu should come up with Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act-type law to put down goondaism in the state, suggested the Madras high court, expressing concern at the increasing rowdy attacks on police.

Citing last week’s bomb attack and murder of constable Subramanian in Tuticorin district, a division bench of Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice V M Velumani slammed political parties for their silence on the issue, adding: “If a policeman is attacked, society is not safe.”

“This kind of attitude of political parties, including the ruling party, would demoralise the police force and they will not have any confidence to discharge their duties without fear,” the bench said. The judges observed that, “They should also have confidence that their family will be looked after not only by the government but also by the political parties and the representatives of the people, in case any unfortunate eventuality happens to them.”

The judges also referred to the fact that since 2014 the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested 127 ISI sympathisers across the nation and the highest number of 33 were from Tamil Nadu, and listed a series of Maoist activities and encounters on inter-state borders. Use of weapons by criminals and politicians too was cited by the judges, who said:

“The happenings in Tamil Nadu for the past 25 years would fortify the impression of this court that more rowdy gangs are active and anti-social elements are already very vocal in the state.”

The bench then raised 25 questions relating to organised criminal gangs in the state and sought the state government’s comprehensive response within two weeks, after the Centre said it was for the state to handle.

In its order, the bench pointed to the public and political outcry when a father-son duo (Jayaraj and Benniks) who were tortured in police custody, jailed on false charges and then died while in jail. It, however, said similar outrage was not witnessed when constable Subramanian was killed in the bomb attack.

“The custodial torture has to be necessarily condemned. But this case (constable murder) is no different from that case (Jayaraj, Benicks). Political leaders, particularly the local minister and the local MP, have not even offered their condolences to the family of martyred police constable Subramanian. Only the DGP and other police officials attended the funeral. The only political party representative, who attended the funeral is the local MLA,” the judges said.

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