Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, Prithima, filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ of mandamus directing the prison authorities to transfer her husband, Johnpaul @ Balan (PID 518593), from Central Prison, Madurai to Central Prison, Palayamkottai. The petitioner had earlier submitted a representation dated 08.08.2024 to the Inspector General of Prisons and the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Madurai Range, but no action was taken, prompting her to approach the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. The respondents in the case were the Inspector General of Prisons, Chennai; the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Madurai Range; the Jail Superintendent, Central Prison, Madurai; and the Jail Superintendent, Central Prison, Palayamkottai. When the matter was taken up for hearing on 10.03.2025, the Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondents submitted that the authorities had acceded to the petitioner’s request by an order dated 16.02.2025. The court noted that in view of this compliance, nothing survived for further adjudication in the writ petition. Accordingly, the writ petition was dismissed as infructuous. No legal principles or issues were decided; the court simply recorded the respondents’ statement and disposed of the case. The case highlights the procedural aspect of a writ of mandamus becoming infructuous when the relief sought is granted during the pendency of the proceedings.
Headnote
A) Writ of Mandamus - Prisoner Transfer - Article 226, Constitution of India - Petitioner sought transfer of her husband from Central Prison, Madurai to Central Prison, Palayamkottai based on representation dated 08.08.2024 - Respondents stated that the request had been acceded to by order dated 16.02.2025 - Held, writ petition dismissed as infructuous (Paras 3-4).
Issue of Consideration
W.P(MD)No.3073 of 2025
Final Decision
Writ Petition dismissed as infructuous.
