Proceedings delayed for over 16 years without trial commencement - Proceedings quashed in the interest of justice.

Madras High Court Quashes 16-Year-Old Proceedings Against Police Personnel for Lack of Evidence and Inordinate Delay Court highlights right to speedy trial and deems continuation of proceedings as an abuse of process; emphasizes harmonious relationships between police and advocates.

In a landmark decision, the Madras High Court has quashed the long-pending proceedings against several police personnel involved in the controversial 2009 incident at the High Court premises. Presided over by Justice M. Nirmal Kumar, the court emphasized the right to a speedy trial as an inalienable right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The proceedings, delayed for over 16 years, were deemed an abuse of the process of law, leading to the quashing of charges against the petitioners.

The case arose from an incident on February 19, 2009, when a clash erupted between police and advocates within the High Court premises. The altercation resulted in injuries to several advocates, court staff, and even a High Court judge. In the aftermath, cases were registered against both advocates and police personnel. The police were charged based on blurred photographs and video clippings, which were deemed unreliable as primary evidence due to the lack of proper certification under the Information Technology Act and the absence of an identification parade.

Despite the filing of charge sheets in 2010, the cases were only taken on file in 2025. The court noted that the delay was primarily administrative and procedural, not attributable to the prosecution, and highlighted that such delays infringe on the right to a speedy trial, a cornerstone of justice.

Justice Kumar also condemned the excessive use of force by police, reinforcing that law enforcement must balance maintaining order with respecting individual dignity and life. The judgment called for better relationships between police and advocates, essential for effective administration of justice, and urged both parties to move past historical animosities.

The decision underscores the importance of timely legal proceedings and the need for credible evidence in criminal cases. It also serves as a reminder of the judiciary's role in safeguarding constitutional rights and promoting public interest and harmony within the justice system.

Bottom Line:

Quashing of proceedings - Right to speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution emphasized - Proceedings delayed for over 16 years without trial commencement - Continuation of proceedings deemed abuse of process of law - Proceedings quashed in the interest of justice.

Statutory provision(s): Article 21 of the Constitution, Sections 468 and 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Sections 323, 325, 326, 427, 436, 450 of IPC, Sections 3(1) and 4 of Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992, Information Technology Act, 2000.

S. Palanivel Rajan v. Deputy Superintendent of Police, (Madras) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2813589