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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 47836
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
P. Dhanabal, J
P. Balasubramanian – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent of Police – Respondent
Criminal Original Petition in Crime No.49 of 2023
For the Appellants/Petitioners: Sabeer Mohamed
For the Respondents: N. Balasubramanian
The High Court exercises inherent powers under Section 482 of the Cr.P.C. to supervise pending police investigations and set mandatory timeframes for the filing of final reports to prevent undue delay and ensure the administration of justice.
Headnote:The petitioner sought for the transfer of investigation in relation to a registered crime alleging non-completion of the investigation despite the passage of significant time. The court observed that the investigation remained pending for several years and required timely completion. The court addressed the question of administrative delay in police investigations and underscored the necessity of judicial oversight. The ratio decidendi established that when an investigation is unduly prolonged, the court may direct the concerned authorities to complete the process within a fixed timeframe and mandate departmental monitoring to ensure accountability. The Criminal Original Petition stands disposed of with the direction to complete the investigation and file the final report within two months.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. petitioner requests transfer of investigation due to inordinate delay. (Para 1 , 2) |
| 2. state reports transfer of officer and commits to timely completion. (Para 3 , 5) |
| 3. court directs completion within two months under supervisory monitoring. (Para 6 , 7) |
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 04.06.2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE P.DHANABAL P.Balasubramanian .. Petitioner Vs.
1.The Superintendent of Police Office of the Superintendent of Police Sivagangai District
2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police Devakottai Sub Division, Sivagangai District
3. The Inspector of Police Kallal Police Station, Sivagangai .. Respondents PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 482 of Cr.P.C., directing the first respondent to appoint a competent police officer other than the third respondent to investigate the case in Crime No.49 of 2023 on the file of the third respondent within the time stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioners : Mr.Sabeer Mohamed For Respondents : Mr.N.Balasubramanian Counsel for State of Tamil Nadu(Crl.Side)
ORDER
This Criminal Original Petition has been filed to direct the first respondent to appoint a competent police officer other than the third respondent to investigate the case in Crime No.49 of 2023 on the file of the third respondent within the time stipulated by this Court.
2. According to the petitioner he is the defacto complainant in this case and based on the complaint given by the petitioner a case has been registered in Crime No.49 of 2023 for the offences under Sections 147,448,294(b),323 and 379 of IPC. Thereafter the third respondent has not conducted investigation properly. Even after registration of the First Information Report after a long time the charge sheet has not been filed, therefore investigation has to be taken to some other officials.
3. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents would submit that due to some unavoidable circumstances the respondents are unable to complete the investigation. Now the previous investigation officer has been transferred to some other police station and the present investigation officer will complete the investigation within a period of two months and prayed to extend the time to complete the investigation.
4. Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record.
5.On perusal of records it is seen that the First Information Report has been registered by the third respondent in Crime No.49 of 2023 for the offences under Sections 147,448,294(b),323 and 379 of IPC. Thereafter after the past three years no effective steps have been taken to complete the investigation and file final report. The previous investigation officer has been transferred and now the present investigation officer has assured to complete the investigation within two months.
6. Recording the above said submission, this Court directs the third respondent to complete the investigation and file final report within a period of two months without any further delay. The second respondent is directed to monitor the investigation of the third respondent.
7. With the above direction, the Cirminal Original Petition stands disposed of. 04.06.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No aav To
