The Supreme Court today strongly criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to suspend Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) HM Jayaram, calling it “demoralizing” for a senior officer with 28 years of service.
A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan also expressed shock at the Madras High Court’s unprecedented direction to arrest the ADGP, which was issued while hearing an unrelated anticipatory bail petition.
Controversial High Court Order Under Scrutiny
The case stems from an abduction complaint in Thiruvallur, where it was alleged that Jayaram’s official vehicle was used to drop off an 18-year-old boy who had been abducted.
While hearing the anticipatory bail plea of KV Kuppam MLA “Poovai” Jagan Moorthy, an accused in the case, Justice P Velmurugan of the Madras High Court directed police to take action against Jayaram, stating that “no one is above the law.”
The Supreme Court, however, questioned the legal basis of this directive.
Justice Manmohan remarked humorously, “I have been a judge for 18 years. I never knew I had this power [to direct arrest].” Justice Bhuyan went further, calling the order “shocking.”
Suspension Under Fire
Jayaram, who was briefly arrested on June 16 before being released, has now been suspended by the state government.
Court grilled Tamil Nadu’s counsel, asking why suspension was necessary when the officer had already cooperated with the investigation.
“You can’t do this. This is very demoralizing,” Justice Bhuyan told the state. The bench has asked the government to reconsider the suspension and will hear the matter again tomorrow.
With the Supreme Court’s intervention, all eyes are now on whether Tamil Nadu will revoke Jayaram’s suspension and how this will shape accountability mechanisms for public servants.
The next hearing is scheduled for June 19, with the Supreme Court awaiting Tamil Nadu’s response on the suspension order.
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