V. R. Prakash vs District Collector and Chairman, District SC/ST Vigilance Committee

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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 44582

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
L. Victoria Gowri, J
V. R. Prakash – Appellant
Versus
District Collector and Chairman, District SC/ST Vigilance Committee – Respondent
W.P Crl.(MD)No.2345 of 2026

Important Points

The High Court may issue a Writ of Mandamus under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to compel police authorities to register a First Information Report (FIR) and conclude investigations expeditiously when a cognizable offense under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is reported.

Subject

Criminal Law - Writ Jurisdiction

Act Referred

Constitution of India: Art.226
Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

Headnote

The petitioner filed a writ petition seeking a Writ of Mandamus for the police authorities to initiate legal action following a complaint of atrocities filed under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The core facts involve the petitioner's allegation of inaction regarding a complaint lodged on 07.01.2026. The Court, upon hearing both sides, observed that the respondent authorities committed to taking prompt action. The primary issue brought before the Court was whether the concerned authorities should be mandated to register an investigation based on the petitioner's grievances. The Court’s ratio decidendi rests on its authority under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to ensure that law enforcement performs its duties regarding time-bound investigation and registration of information upon receiving evidence or complaints of statutory atrocities. The Court directed the fourth respondent to register a first information report based on the complaint dated 07.01.2026 and complete the investigation within a period of four weeks.

Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: C. Selvakumar
For the Respondents: C. Satheesh, M. Sakthi Kumar

Table of Content
1. petitioner asserts failure of police to act on statutory complaint. (Para 1 , 2)
2. court directs time-bound registration of fir and investigation. (Para 3 , 4 , 5 , 6)

Writ Petition Criminal filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the third respondent, in turn directing the fifth respondent/Inspector of Police Parthibanoor Police Station, to forthwith take appropriate legal action based on the petitioner's complaint dated 07.01.2026 under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, based on the petitioner's representation dated

06.04.2026.

For Petitioner : Mr.C.Selvakumar For R-1 : Mr.C.Satheesh, Government Advocate (Criminal Side)

For R-2 to R-4 : Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar, Government Advocate (Criminal Side)

ORDER

This Writ Petition is filed to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the third respondent, in turn directing the fifth respondent/Inspector of Police Parthibanoor Police Station, to forthwith take appropriate legal action based on the petitioner's complaint dated 07.01.2026 under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, based on the petitioner's representation dated 06.04.2026.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner had lodged a complaint on 7/1/2026 about the atrocities suffered by him as a scheduled caste, requiring proper action under the SC / ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989. Since no action was taken, this petition is filed.

3. The learned Government Advocate submitted that prompt action would be taken on the petitioner's complaint shortly.

4. Heard either sides and carefully perused the materials available on record.

5. In view of the above submission, the 4th respondent is directed to swing into action considering the petitioner's complaint dated 07.01.2026 and register a first information report forthwith and thereafter conclude the investigation as expeditiously as possible within a period of four weeks.

6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.