[Cites 1, Cited by 0]
Madras High Court
Ranjithkumar vs The Deputy Inspector General Of Prison on 15 April, 2026
Author: Anita Sumanth
Bench: Anita Sumanth
2026:MHC:1455
WP Crl. No. 803 of 2026
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 15-04-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE DR.JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH
AND
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN
WP Crl. No. 803 of 2026
Ranjithkumar
S/o Mani,
PID No.28769,
Life Convict Prisoner,
Salem Central Prison,
Salem.
..Petitioner(s)
Vs
1. The Deputy Inspector General of Prison
Office of The Deputy Inspector General of
Prison,
Coimbatore Zone,
Covai Central Prison Campus,
Coimbatore District.
2. The Superintendent of Prison,
Salem Central Prison,
Salem.
3. The Superintendent of Police,
Office of The Superintendent of Police,
Salem.
4. The Inspector Of Police
Annadhanapatty Police Station,
Salem District.
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WP Crl. No. 803 of 2026
..Respondent(s)
Prayer: Writ petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for
issuance of writ of Certiorarified Mandamus writ petition for pleased to call for
the records connected with the impugned order No.CP-SLM/1014/2025-R4(JA)
CP-SLM/1014/2025-R4(JA) dated 21.01.2026 issued by the respondent No.1
and quash the same as illegal, consequently to direct the respondent to release
me namely Ranjithkumar (Life Convict Prisoner No.6328, PID No.21.01.2026)
son of Mani aged about 39 years who is now confining at Salem Central Prison,
from the prison on the ordinary leave for 28 days without escort in accordance
with law within the time stipulated by this Honourable Court and pass such
further or other orders.
For Petitioner(s): Mr.R.Prakash
For Respondent(s): Mr.R.Muniyapparaj
Additional Public Prosecutor
Assisted By
Mr.M.Sylvester John
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by Dr.Anita Sumanth J.)
The petitioner, a life convict, presently confined in Central Prison, Salem,
has filed this Writ Petition challenging order dated 21.01.2026 granting leave to
the convict only to the extent to which it appoints an escort for the petitioner.
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2. The reason set out by the Probation Officer in his report is that there is
a threat to the life of the petitioner and danger to his family members. But the
apprehension expressed is in general terms and there are no details of any
specific persons from whom the threat is apprehended.
3. That apart, Mr.Muniyapparaj, learned Additional Public Prosecutor,
who appears for the respondents also confirms that from the date of conviction,
the petitioner has been granted leave 11 times and only twice, with escort. He is
unable to place on record any other material to support the general apprehension
of the Probation Officer. In such a situation, we do not see any reason for the
requirement of escort.
4. Accordingly, impugned order dated 21.01.2026, to the extent to which
an escort has been provided, is set aside and ordinary leave of 28 days without
escort is granted, though on the following conditions:
(i)The respondents are directed to release the convict viz., Ranjithkumar, S/o
Mani, aged about 39 years, confined at Salem Central Prison, on ordinary leave
for a period of twenty eight (28) days without escort i.e., from 16.04.2026 to
13.05.2026.
(ii)The convict shall be released on 16.04.2026 at 10.00 A.M. and is directed to
surrender before the Superintendent of Prisons, Salem Central Prison, on
14.05.2026 before 10.00 A.M.
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(iii)The convict shall report before the Inspector of Police, Annathanapatty
Police Station, on every alternate day at 11.00 A.M, during the period of leave.
(iv)During the leave period, the Convict Prisoner shall abide by all the
conditions prescribed in the Jail Manual.
(A.S.M.,J.) (S.M.,J.)
15-04-2026
sl
Index: Yes/No
Speaking order
Neutral Citation: Yes
Note to Registry: Issue today.
To
1. The Deputy Inspector General of Prison
Office of The Deputy Inspector General of Prison,
Coimbatore Zone,
Covai Central Prison Campus,
Coimbatore District.
2. The Superintendent of Prison,
Salem Central Prison,
Salem.
3. The Superintendent of Police,
Office of The Superintendent of Police,
Salem.
4. The Inspector Of Police
Annadhanapatty Police Station,
Salem District.
5. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.
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DR.ANITA SUMANTH J.
AND
SUNDER MOHAN J.
SL
15-04-2026
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