The court may issue a writ of mandamus directing the police to preserve evidence if it is relevant to the fairness and thoroughness of an ongoing criminal investigation.

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L. VICTORIA GOWRI W.P Crl.(MD)No.2566 of 2026 K.Murugesan ... Petitioner Vs

1. The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai District.

2. The Inspector of Police, Tirupattur Town Police Station, Sivagangai District. ... Respondents PRAYER :-

Writ Petition Criminal filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus or any other writ or direction or order in the nature of writ, directing the respondents to preserve the CCTV footage recorded on 04.03.2026 in the CCTV camera fixed at the home where the defacto complainant residing at present, 05.03.2026, 09.03.2026 and 30.03.2026 recorded in all CCTV cameras at Thirupathur Town Police Station and to provide one copy each to the petitioner within the time stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Malaikani For Respondents : Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

ORDER

This Writ Petition is filed seeking to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to preserve the CCTV footage recorded on 04.03.2026 in the CCTV camera fixed at the home where the defacto complainant residing at present, 05.03.2026, 09.03.2026 and 30.03.2026 recorded in all CCTV cameras at Thirupathur Town Police Station and to provide one copy each to the petitioner within the time stipulated by this Court.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that this information is sought for by the petitioner in relation to Crime No.70 of 2026 registered against the petitioner and his brother at the instance of one Kalayarasi. But the respondent police without taking into consideration the available CCTV footage in the de facto compliant house and also in the available CCTV cameras in the at Thiruppathur Town police station are trying to divert the investigation and hence he sought the indulgence of this Court, seeking the necessary action.

3. The learned Government Advocate submitted that it is for the investigating officer to decide as to which CCTV footage is necessary for the purpose of investigation. As far as the petitioner's requisition seeking the CCTV camera fixed in a private party's house, it is not within the powers of the respondent police. As far as the CCTV footages in Tirupattur police station, the same could be considered.

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

5. In view of the submission made by either parties, the respondent police is directed to forthwith preserve the CCTV footage available at Tirupathur police station on 05.03.2026, 09.03.2026 and 30.03.2026. As far as the CCTV footage in the de facto complainant's house is concerned, the investigating officer is directed to look into the same, as to the necessity of the same, for the purpose of investigation. In this regard, the second respondent police is directed to look into whether such substance would strengthen the prosecution case or disprove the prosecution case and if found necessary, secure the same and produce the same before this Court.

6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed.