The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu government to file a detailed status report on the departmental action taken against police personnel accused of assaulting the parents of a minor sexual assault survivor in the Anna Nagar case.
The court had taken up the matter suo motu following allegations that the parents of a 10-year-old girl, who was sexually assaulted in Chennai’s Anna Nagar, were attacked by personnel of the Anna Nagar All-Women Police Station when they went to lodge a complaint. The High Court observed that the incident raised serious concerns, noting that the police, who are entrusted with enforcing the law, had themselves violated provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The case, along with a petition filed by the victim’s mother seeking compensation and action against the police officers involved, came up for hearing before a Division Bench comprising Justices Velmurugan and Jothiraman. During the hearing, the Bench questioned the State on the steps taken against the officers who allegedly failed to follow mandatory POCSO procedures.
Responding to the court, the State informed that criminal cases had been registered against the concerned police personnel. However, the judges expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out that their query pertained specifically to departmental action and not merely the registration of criminal cases. The government subsequently stated that departmental proceedings had been initiated against the officers in 2024.
The Bench observed that nearly 15 months had elapsed since the initiation of departmental action and questioned the progress made so far. Describing the situation as akin to “the fence grazing the crop,” the judges remarked that the police force, which is expected to protect the law, had repeatedly violated POCSO provisions. The court also recorded its concern over the apparent lack of awareness among police personnel regarding the procedures mandated under the POCSO Act.
The judges further noted that suspension alone does not amount to punishment and questioned why the government appeared eager to shield officials who had committed serious lapses. The Bench directed the police department to file a report detailing the nature of departmental action taken against the officers concerned and the current status of those proceedings.
The matter has been posted for further hearing tomorrow.
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