Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, S.Loganadhan, filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ of mandamus to direct the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, to initiate proceedings and take action against the third and fourth respondents (Inspectors of Police at Puthusathiram and Sendhamangalam Police Stations) under Section 4(1) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, for wilful neglect of duties. The petitioner also sought a direction to the third respondent to conduct a proper inquiry into his complaint dated 19.12.2025, which had been forwarded by the Superintendent of Police, Namakkal District, vide proceedings H2/2837/15279/2025. The petitioner alleged that he belongs to the Scheduled Caste community and that on 18.12.2025, while he and his friend were going to his land, they were assaulted and abused by one Venkatachalam, who belongs to another caste. Venkatachalam also unlawfully blocked a government public road by erecting a wire fence, preventing the petitioner from accessing his property. The petitioner gave a complaint to the Superintendent of Police on 19.12.2025, which was forwarded to the third and fourth respondents. The petitioner was called for an inquiry by the fourth respondent on 26.12.2025, but despite specific allegations of caste-based abuse, no further steps were taken. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for respondents 1 and 2 submitted that a preliminary inquiry had been conducted and revealed a property dispute between the petitioner and the counter-parties. He further submitted that the inquiry was pending and that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with law, with a report to be filed within two weeks. He also noted that respondents 3 and 4 were shown in their individual capacity but were officers attached to Puthusathiram Police Station, and a direction could be issued to them in their official capacity. In view of these submissions, the court disposed of the writ petition with a direction to the Inspector of Police, Puthusathiram Police Station, to complete the inquiry and file a report within two weeks from the date of receipt of the order, and to proceed further in accordance with law. The court clarified that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case and that the respondents were at liberty to proceed in accordance with law.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Writ of Mandamus - Article 226 of the Constitution of India - Direction to Police - The petitioner sought a writ of mandamus to direct the police to initiate proceedings under Section 4(1) of the SC/ST Act for wilful neglect of duty and to conduct a proper inquiry into his complaint of caste-based abuse and obstruction. The court, noting the pending inquiry and the submission of the Additional Public Prosecutor that a report would be filed within two weeks, disposed of the petition with a direction to complete the inquiry and file a report within two weeks, and to proceed in accordance with law. (Paras 1-5) B) Criminal Law - Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 - Section 4(1) - Wilful Neglect of Duty - The petitioner alleged that the respondent police officers wilfully neglected their duty under Section 4(1) of the SC/ST Act by failing to take action on his complaint of caste-based abuse and obstruction of a public road. The court did not decide on the merits of the allegation but directed the police to complete the inquiry and take appropriate action in accordance with law. (Paras 2-5) C) Criminal Procedure - Preliminary Inquiry - Property Dispute - The Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that a preliminary inquiry revealed a property dispute between the petitioner and the counter-parties. The court directed the police to complete the inquiry and file a report within two weeks, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case. (Paras 3-5)
Issue of Consideration
Whether the police respondents have wilfully neglected their duty under Section 4(1) of the SC/ST Act by not taking action on a complaint alleging caste-based abuse and obstruction, and whether a writ of mandamus should be issued directing them to conduct a proper inquiry.
Final Decision
The writ petition was disposed of with a direction to the Inspector of Police, Puthusathiram Police Station, to complete the inquiry and file a report within two weeks from the date of receipt of the order, and to proceed further in accordance with law. The court clarified that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case.
Law Points
- Mandamus
- Wilful neglect of duty
- SC/ST Act Section 4(1)
- Preliminary inquiry
- Property dispute
- Caste-based abuse
