Jayanthi v. State or Tamil Nadu, Rep by the Additional chief Secretary to Government
Preventive detention – Habeas Corpus – Detenu branded 'Goonda' under Section 2(f), Tamil Nadu Act 14 of 1982
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras High Court, HCP No. 2124 of 2025, decided 26-03-2026 by Sunder Mohan J. (bench: Dr. Anita Sumanth J. and Sunder Mohan J.). Mother's habeas corpus petition under Article 226 against detention of son Vijayan s/o Poongavanam (aged 27) as 'Goonda' under Section 2(f), Tamil Nadu Act 14 of 1982, by Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai City (Memo No.527/BBCDEFGISSSV/2025). Ground: non-application of mind in concluding likelihood of release on bail by relying on Cr.M.P.No.26094 of 2024 involving dissimilar facts (one previous case vs. two adverse cases plus one more). Detention order vitiated and set aside; detenu ordered released forthwith unless required in any other case.
What did the court decide?
Detention Order No.527/BBCDEFGISSSV/2025 dated 31.07.2025 set aside; detenu Vijayan S/o Poongavanam, aged 27 years, confined in Central Prison, Puzhal, Chennai, directed to be set at liberty forthwith, unless his presence is required in connection with any other case.