Pangajam v. The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep by its
Preventive detention – Tamil Nadu Preventive Detention Act, 1982
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras High Court, H.C.P.No.1867 of 2025, decided 18.03.2026 (order made by Sunder Mohan, J.; bench of Dr. Anita Sumanth and Sunder Mohan, JJ.). Habeas corpus petition by mother against preventive detention of son Tamilmani @ Barotta Mani as 'Drug Offender' under Section 2(e), Tamil Nadu Preventive Detention Act, 1982 (Tamil Nadu Act 14 of 1982); detention order 590/BBCDEFGISSSV/2025 dated 22.08.2025 by Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai. Quashed for non-application of mind: bail-likelihood inference wrongly drawn from dissimilar order in Crl.MP No.1414 of 2021 (accused there had no previous cases; detenu involved in another case). Detenu ordered set at liberty forthwith unless required in any other case.
What did the court decide?
Detention Order No.590/BBCDEFGISSSV/2025 dated 22.08.2025 set aside; the detenu, Tamilmani @ Barotta Mani, confined in Central Prison, Puzhal, Chennai, directed to be set at liberty forthwith unless his presence is required in connection with any other case.