The government also expressed concern that, in certain cases, the Madras High Court appeared to be overstepping its boundaries by interfering in administrative matters.
Published Jun 19, 2025 | 3:20 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 19, 2025 | 3:20 PM
ADGP HM Jayaram.
Synopsis: The Supreme Court quashed the order of the Madras High Court that had directed action against ADGP HM Jayaram in connection with the Tiruttani child abduction case. The apex ordered the transfer of the abduction case to the CB-CID.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday, 18 June, quashed the order of the Madras High Court that had directed action against Tamil Nadu Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) HM Jayaram in connection with the Tiruttani child abduction case.
Following the high court’s directive, Jayaram was arrested and subsequently suspended from service. Challenging this action, he filed an appeal in the Supreme Court. The petition was heard by a special vacation bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan over two days.
During the hearing on Wednesday, the Tamil Nadu government informed the court that Jayaram had not been arrested. The bench then questioned why he was suspended from service if no arrest had taken place, and asked whether the suspension could be revoked.
In response, senior advocate Dushyant Dave, representing the Tamil Nadu government, stated that the investigation into the abduction case was still ongoing and that existing service rules did not permit the revocation of Jayaram’s suspension at this stage.
The bench further questioned whether the case could be assigned to a special investigation wing. However, the government counsel said that they would consult the authorities concerned and respond. The matter was then adjourned and resumed later in the day.
Upon resumption, the Tamil Nadu government conveyed that it was agreeable to transferring the investigation to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) and would also consider transferring the ongoing case in the Madras High Court to a different bench.
The government also expressed concern that, in certain cases, the Madras High Court appeared to be overstepping its boundaries by interfering in administrative matters. Jayaram’s counsel argued that the suspension order was arbitrary and should be revoked, stating that it was not a procedurally fair action.
After recording all submissions, the apex ordered the transfer of the abduction case to the CB-CID and directed the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court to reassign the related case to a different judge. Additionally, the apex court quashed the high court’s earlier order that had mandated legal action against ADGP Jayaram.
The Supreme Court also observed that, at times, high courts tend to exceed their jurisdiction by encroaching upon administrative decisions, expressing dissatisfaction over such practices.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
