Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

The Supreme Court recently expressed strong disapproval of the Tamil Nadu government's actions regarding the suspension of ADGP HM Jayaram, following his arrest in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a 16-year-old boy. The case was linked to an inter-caste marriage dispute.

While hearing a petition challenging the Madras High Court’s directive that led to Jayaram’s arrest, the Supreme Court questioned why the officer had been arrested and why the state government had suspended him. The court noted that Jayaram had been cooperating with the investigation and advised that his suspension should be reconsidered. The Supreme Court also directed the Tamil Nadu police to file a detailed response regarding the officer’s suspension.

Jayaram's lawyer informed the court that the officer had been held in custody for 24 hours. Although he was released the following day, he was placed under suspension. In response, the Tamil Nadu government’s lawyer stated that the main concern was to ensure Jayaram's participation in the ongoing investigation.

However, the Supreme Court bench, which included Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, questioned the need for suspension, as the officer had already joined the investigation. Justice Bhuyan remarked, “He is a senior officer; this is very demoralizing.” The bench asked the state government to reconsider the suspension and provide an explanation for its decision. The court also asked if the suspension would be withdrawn.

The matter will be heard again tomorrow. On June 16, the Madras High Court ordered Jayaram’s arrest in connection with the kidnapping of the boy. The Tamil Nadu government suspended Jayaram on June 17, claiming that his involvement in facilitating the abduction by using his official vehicle was serious enough to warrant suspension.