The High Court may issue a writ of mandamus to monitor or expedite a pending police investigation into a criminal complaint without necessarily transferring the investigation to a specialized agency if progress is being made.

PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondent to withdraw the investigation in FIR no.202/2026 dated 28.04.2026 on the file of the 2nd respondent Thogaimalai Police station and transfer the same to the 3rd respondent for an unbiased investigation and consequently direct the 3rd respondent to complete the investigation of the aforesaid FIR within the stipulated time fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.R.Murugappan

For Respondents : Mr.D.Rajaboopathy

Counsel for State of TN (Crl.Side)

ORDER

This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the 1st respondent to withdraw the investigation in FIR no.202/2026 dated 28.04.2026 on the file of the 2nd respondent Thogaimalai Police station and transfer the same to the 3rd respondent for an unbiased investigation and consequently direct the 3rd respondent to complete the investigation of the aforesaid FIR within the stipulated time fixed by this Court.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that a complaint has been lodged as against the priest of the temple, namely, Arulmigu Sri Meenakshi Sundhareswarar and Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple, with regard to the theft of idol and jewels. However, no action was taken, despite filing of an FIR in Crime No.202 of 2026. Hence this writ petition came to be filed.

3. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondent police submitted that the temple idol has already been identified from a nearby pond and the question of jewellery may not be proved as substantiated by the petitioner and the case in Crime No.202 of 2026 has been registered against unknown persons and the investigation is pending and will be concluded within a short span of time.

4. Heard the learned counsel on either sides and carefully perused the materials placed before this Court.

5. Considering the fact that already the temple idol is recovered, the second respondent police is directed to conclude the investigation in Crime No. 202 of 2026 within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The first respondent is directed to monitor the investigation conducted by the second respondent police.

6. With the above directions, the writ petition stands disposed of.

09.06.2026

NCC : Yes / No

Index : Yes / No

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