SC slams TN govt over ADGP’s suspension, calls action ‘demoralising’

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Tamil Nadu government and expressed shock over the Madras High Court’s directive that led to the arrest of ADGP HM Jayaram in a case involving the alleged kidnapping of a 16-year-old boy.

While hearing a petition challenging the High Court’s order, the top court questioned the rationale behind the officer’s arrest and pulled up the state government for suspending him. Observing that Jayaram was cooperating with the investigation, the bench advised that his suspension be reconsidered and asked the Tamil Nadu police to file a detailed response.

Supreme Court also raised concerns over the state government’s decision to suspend ADGP Jayaram, questioning the justification behind such action. Noting that the officer was cooperating with the investigation, the bench advised that his suspension be reconsidered, and directed the Tamil Nadu police to file a detailed response by tomorrow.

During the brief hearing, Jayaram’s counsel informed the court that the officer had been held in custody for 24 hours and, though released yesterday, was subsequently placed under suspension.

In response, the Tamil Nadu government’s lawyer argued that their primary concern was to ensure ADGP Jayaram’s participation in the investigation.

However, the bench, comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, questioned the need for suspension, noting that the officer had already joined the probe. “He has joined it; what is the question of suspending him?” the bench asked pointedly.

Justice Bhuyan added, “He is a senior police officer, you can’t do this. This is very demoralising.”

The bench also asked the state government to obtain instructions regarding the suspension of an officer who has a long service of 28 years, and asked if the same would be withdrawn.

The matter will be taken up for hearing again tomorrow.

On June 16, the Madras High Court directed Jayaram’s arrest in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a 16‑year‑old boy linked to an inter-caste marriage dispute.

On June 17, hours after his release, the Tamil Nadu government suspended Jayaram, citing the gravity of his alleged role in facilitating the abduction by providing his official vehicle.

India