New Delhi, June 19, 2025

The Supreme Court of India has stepped in to quash a controversial order issued by the Madras High Court, which had directed the arrest of Tamil Nadu ADGP H.M. Jayaram in connection with an alleged abduction case. Citing procedural lapses and concerns over fairness, the apex court also directed that the ongoing investigation be handed over to the Crime Branch - Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) of Tamil Nadu.

 

The case revolves around the alleged abduction of a young man from Theni district, reportedly related to a marriage opposed by the woman’s family. The boy’s mother claimed that uniformed and plain-clothed men forcefully entered her home and took her son away. Reports suggested that the official vehicle of ADGP Jayaram may have been used in transporting the individual, prompting the Madras High Court to order his arrest while hearing a related bail plea.

 

However, this arrest order was passed without summoning the officer or hearing his side, a move the Supreme Court found to be legally flawed and concerning.

 

 

A bench comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan heard the matter and found the High Court’s direction to arrest a serving ADGP to be premature, excessive, and procedurally irregular. The judges pointed out that such a serious order, especially against a senior officer, cannot be passed casually or without giving the individual a chance to be heard.

 

Terming the arrest direction as “shocking”, the Supreme Court remarked that such actions, when not backed by legal due process, risk damaging public confidence in the justice system.

 

 

Recognizing the sensitivity and high-profile nature of the case, the apex court ordered the matter be transferred from the local investigation unit to the CB-CID. The court reasoned that a neutral and professionally competent agency was needed to conduct the probe without the shadow of political pressure or public outrage.

 

Importantly, the Tamil Nadu government raised no objection to the transfer, reinforcing the court’s view that neutrality was necessary at this stage.

 

 

The Supreme Court also expressed its disapproval over the suspension of ADGP Jayaram by the state government, which had been carried out under All-India Service Rules. The court questioned how an officer who had not even been arrested or formally charged could be suspended so hastily.

 

Justice Bhuyan noted, “Premature suspension without any formal process sends a demoralising signal to the entire police force, especially when the officer has shown full cooperation.”