Court Warns Senior Police Officials with Contempt Proceedings over Inaction on Complaint by Court-Appointed Administrator
In a significant move, the Madras High Court has issued a strong directive to senior police officials demanding an explanation for their inaction regarding an abuse incident involving a court-appointed administrator of Pachaiyappa's Trust. The Trust, which has been under judicial oversight due to previous administrative mismanagement, saw its appointed administrator, a former High Court judge, subjected to abuse by unruly elements. Despite the serious nature of the incident and a formal complaint lodged with the police, no action has been taken, prompting the court to issue a show cause notice to senior police officials, including the Director General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Chennai, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kilpauk.
The court emphasized that the police's inaction is tantamount to a direct attack on the judiciary, considering the administrator acts on the court's behalf. The bench, comprising Dr. G. Jayachandran and K. Kumaresh Babu, J.J., has instructed the officers to appear before the court or through counsel on January 30, 2026, to provide a report on their actions. Failure to provide a satisfactory explanation may result in contempt proceedings.
The judgment also highlighted ongoing challenges within Pachaiyappa's Trust, including pending litigations regarding illegal appointments and scheme modifications. The administrator was directed to submit a comprehensive report on voter enrollment and election processes for the Trust's smooth functioning.
The court's intervention underscores the critical need for police accountability and the protection of judicially appointed officials, ensuring that administrative justice is upheld without hindrance.
Bottom Line:
Mismanagement and abuse against a court-appointed Administrator in Pachaiyappa's Trust matter; accountability and judicial intervention emphasized to address inaction of police and ensure proper functioning of the Trust.
Statutory provision(s): Contempt of Court, Trust Administration, Pending Litigation
G.Anbazhagan v. S.Jeyachandran, (Madras)(Madurai Bench)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2841977
