Court Directs Authorities to Ensure Police Protection and Conduct Enquiry Against Village Headmen
In a significant move towards safeguarding individual rights, the Madras High Court has issued a directive to investigate allegations of social boycott and denial of residence following an inter-caste marriage. The writ petition filed by Pazhaniyappan, the petitioner, highlighted the severe repercussions faced by him and his family due to the social boycott by village headmen, namely respondents 7 to 11.
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan presided over the case, directing the responsible authorities to conduct a thorough enquiry and provide police protection to the petitioner and his family. The petitioner, who resides in Mariamman Koil Street, Komal, Kuthalam Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District, was reportedly forced to vacate his home and was barred from entering the village after performing an inter-caste marriage, a move condemned by the village headmen acting as the Nattamai.
The petitioner's plight was first acknowledged when an FIR was registered in Crime No. 198 of 2025 under Sections 296(b), 127(2), 324(4), and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the accused respondents. Despite the ongoing investigation, the petitioner continued to face obstruction, leading to further complaints. The peace committee meeting conducted by the fourth respondent did not yield results as the village headmen failed to appear, and oral instructions to allow the petitioner to return to his home were ignored.
In response to these developments, the High Court has mandated the petitioner to file a fresh complaint with the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), who is tasked with issuing notices, conducting an enquiry, and passing appropriate orders within 12 weeks. Simultaneously, the sixth respondent is instructed to complete the investigation and file a final report within the same timeframe. The court has emphasized the provision of adequate police protection to ensure the safety and security of the petitioner and his family.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's proactive stance in addressing social injustices and protecting the fundamental rights of individuals against societal discrimination and unlawful actions. The court's directive is seen as a robust step towards enforcing legal accountability and ensuring justice in cases of social ostracism.
Bottom line:-
Inter-caste marriage - Social boycott and denial of residence - Direction issued to authorities to conduct an enquiry, provide police protection, and take appropriate actions against the accused persons.
Statutory provision(s): Sections 296(b), 127(2), 324(4), 351(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Pazhaniyappan v. District Collector Mayiladuthurai District, (Madras) : Law Finder Doc id # 2936477
