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The Madras High Court's recent ruling underscores a critical issue within the Tamil Nadu judicial system: the persistent delays in filing First Information Reports (FIRs) and Final Reports by the police department. The case, P Sundar v The Inspector of Police, Crl OP 2026 of 2025, brought to light the frustrating experience of citizens struggling to access justice due to the lackadaisical approach of law enforcement. The petitioner, Sundar, had been embroiled in a legal battle since 2015, with the police failing to submit a final report despite concluding their investigation years earlier. This blatant disregard for procedural law highlights a systemic problem that impacts countless individuals throughout the state. The court's actions, summoning the Home Secretary to address the issue, represent a significant attempt to rectify this deeply rooted problem.
Justice P Velmurugan's decision to initially summon the Home Secretary, Dheeraj Kumar, demonstrates the court's determination to address the systemic issues plaguing the police department's performance. While the court ultimately dispensed with the Home Secretary's physical appearance after he personally apprised the court of steps taken to ensure compliance, the very act of summoning him signifies the court's profound concern. The court emphasized its intention wasn't to punish the Home Secretary but rather to raise awareness of the ground realities faced by ordinary citizens who are often left powerless against bureaucratic inefficiencies. This proactive measure indicates a shift toward accountability, pushing the administrative branch to take responsibility for ensuring the timely and efficient functioning of the police department. The court’s emphasis on the unequal access to justice underscores the critical need for systemic reform, recognizing that not all citizens possess the resources or understanding of the legal system to actively pursue their rights.
The court's observations regarding the arbitrary functioning of some police officials are particularly alarming. The statement that 'some of the Police officials are functioning arbitrarily and not for public' points to a disturbing pattern of misconduct, potentially involving corruption, negligence, or both. The fact that even court orders are not always followed highlights the deep-seated nature of the problem, indicating a lack of respect for judicial authority and a failure to uphold the rule of law. The observation that 'All the aggrieved person cannot approach the Court for getting directions to register the case, to file Final Report and to expedite the investigation' speaks volumes about the unequal access to justice. This underscores the urgent need for reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency within the police department to ensure that justice is not only delayed but also denied to the most vulnerable members of society. This case is not an isolated incident; rather, it represents a broader pattern of systemic failings that demand immediate attention and comprehensive reform.
The sections of the IPC (Indian Penal Code) cited in the case—147, 148, 448, and 506(ii)—suggest a serious crime involving unlawful assembly, rioting, house trespass, and criminal intimidation. The delay in filing the final report not only prevents the victim from seeking justice but also potentially hinders the possibility of bringing the perpetrators to account. This highlights the cascading effects of such delays, extending beyond the inconvenience to the individual and impacting the broader administration of justice. The court’s decision to address the issue directly with the Home Secretary serves as a powerful message, indicating a commitment to tackling the problem at its roots rather than addressing isolated cases. This direct approach underscores the gravity of the situation and the court’s determination to prevent further instances of such bureaucratic inaction.
The case of P Sundar v The Inspector of Police serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens in accessing justice within the legal system. The court's intervention, while significant, highlights the need for broader reforms that address the underlying causes of these delays within the Tamil Nadu police force. These reforms should encompass enhanced training for police personnel, strengthened internal oversight mechanisms, and the establishment of clear timelines for investigation and report filing. Furthermore, ensuring greater transparency and accountability within the department is crucial to fostering trust and confidence in law enforcement. Only through such comprehensive reforms can the Tamil Nadu justice system effectively serve the needs of its citizens and ensure that justice is not only swift but also accessible to all.