Revathi v. The Secretary to the Government

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by Sunder Mohan J.) The wife of the detenu – Perumal, aged 27 years, S/o. Annadurai, has filed this petition challenging the detention order dated 24.10.2025, branding him as a 'GOONDA' under Section 2(f) of the Tamil Nadu Preventive Detention Act, 1982 (Act 14/1982).

¶2We have heard learned counsel for petitioner and learned counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Crl.Side) for respondents.

¶3From the submissions and perusal of the records, it is seen that the translated copies of the Accident Register and the bail order of similar case that have been relied upon by the detaining authority have not been furnished to the detenu. Admittedly, the detenu is acquainted only with Tamil. It is well settled that if the relied upon documents are not furnished in the language known to the detenu, his right to make effective representation would be denied. In 'Powanammal Vs. State of Tamil Nadu' reported in '(1999) 2 SCC 413', the Hon'ble Supreme Court had held that non-supply of relevant documents in the language known to the detenu renders the detenu's detention illegal.

4.Accordingly, this Habeas Corpus Petition is allowed and the Detention Order passed by the second respondent in Detention Order in D.O.No.51/2025-C2 dated 24.10.2025 is set aside.

¶5The detenu, viz., Perumal, aged 27 years, S/o. Annadurai, now confined in Central Prison, Vellore, is directed to be set at liberty forthwith, unless his presence is required in connection with any other case. (A.S.M.,J.) (S.M.,J.) 23-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Issue Order Copy Today. dk To

¶1The Secretary to the Government, Home Prohibition and Excise Department, Secretariat, Chennai – 600 009.

¶2The District Collector and District Magistrate, Tiruvannamalai District.

¶3The Superintendent of Police Tiruvannamalai District.

¶4The Superintendent of Prison Central Prison, Vellore.

¶5The Inspector Of Police Polur Police Station, Tiruvannamalai District.

¶6The Joint Secretary, Law and Order Department, Secretariat, Chennai – 600 009.

¶7The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

DR.ANITA SUMANTH, J. AND

SUNDER MOHAN, J. dk HCP No. 2334 of 2025 23-06-2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 23-06-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE DR.JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN Revathi W/o. Perumal, Natesan Street, Allinagar, Polur Town, Tiruvannamalai District. ..Petitioner/Wife of the Detenue Vs 1. The Secretary to the Government, Home Prohibition and Excise Department, Secretariat, Chennai – 600 009. 2. The District Collector and District Magistrate of Tiruvannamalai District, Tiruvannamalai. 3. The Superintendent of Police, Tiruvannamalai District, Tiruvannamalai. 4. The Superintendent of Prison, Central Prison, Vellore. 5. The Inspector of Police, Polur Police Station, Tiruvannamalai District. ..Respondents Prayer : Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Habeas Corpus, calling for the records in connection with the order of Detention passed by the second respondent 24.10.2025 in D.O.No.51/2025-C2 against the petitioner's Husband Perumal, Male aged 27 years S/o Annadurai, who is confined at Central Prison, Vellore, and set aside the same and direct the respondents to produce the detenue before the Court and set him at liberty. For Petitioner: Mr.D.Balaji For Respondents: Mr.C.R.Malarvannan Counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side)