Case Note & Summary
The petitioner approached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ of mandamus to direct the police to complete enquiry on a complaint he had lodged. The complaint dated 04.02.2025 pertained to an incident that required police investigation. Alleging that the police had not acted expeditiously on his complaint, the petitioner sought judicial intervention. The respondents, through the Additional Public Prosecutor, informed the court that the complaint had been received, enquiry was ongoing, and the opposite party was located in Maharashtra. Summons had already been issued to facilitate the enquiry. The prosecution undertaking was given that the enquiry would be completed within fifteen days. The court, after hearing both sides and perusing the records, found the relief sought to be limited in scope. Relying on the undertaking of the respondents, the court disposed of the writ petition with a direction to the third respondent, the Inspector of Police, Siruganur Police Station, to complete the enquiry within fifteen days from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. No costs were awarded. The judgment reinforces the High Court's supervisory jurisdiction under Article 226 to issue directions for time-bound completion of statutory duties such as police enquiry, especially when an undertaking is provided by the state authorities.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Writ Jurisdiction - Mandamus - Article 226, Constitution of India - The petitioner filed a complaint with the police on 04.02.2025 and sought a writ of mandamus for speedy enquiry and necessary action. The police submitted that enquiry was pending, the opposite party was in Maharashtra, summons had been issued, and the enquiry would be completed within fifteen days. The High Court, considering the limited scope of relief and recording the undertaking given by the police, directed the third respondent (Inspector of Police) to complete the enquiry within fifteen days from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. Held, the writ petition is disposed of with the above direction and no order as to costs. (Paras 2-4)
Issue of Consideration
Whether a writ of mandamus should be issued to direct the police to complete enquiry on a complaint within a specified time.
Final Decision
The writ petition was disposed of with a direction to the third respondent to complete the enquiry within fifteen days from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. No order as to costs.
Law Points
- Writ of mandamus
- Article 226
- direction for completing enquiry
- police obligation to enquire
