Madras High CourtWP Crl./618/2026disposed of

S.Senthilkumar v. The Additional Chief Secretary To Government,

2026-03-23Honourable Dr.Justice Anita Sumanth,Honourable Mr.Justice Sunder Mohan4 pages

2026:MHC:1208

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 23-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE DR.JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN S.Senthilkumar S/o.Subramani, Life Convict, PID No.24505, Central Prison, Coimbatore - 18.

..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Home, Prohibition and Excise Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Director General of Police and Director General of Prisons and Correctional Service, Whannels Road, Egmore, Chennai - 600 008.

3. The Superintendent of Prisons, Central Prison, Coimbatore - 18.

..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent No.1, consider the

petitioner's representation dated 02.01.2026 and constitute the advisory Board for his premature release, within a reasonable period, and thus render justice. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.P.Pugalenthi For Respondent(s):

Mr.R.Muniyapparaj Additional Public Prosecutor Assisted By Mr. M. Sylvester John

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by Dr.Anita Sumanth J.) This Writ Petition is filed by a life convict who has admittedly served 18 years and 8 months in Coimbatore Central Prison. The initial sentence delivered on 10.06.2008 sentencing him to death was reduced to life imprisonment in Crl.A.No.487 of 2008 vide judgment dated 14.11.2008. He seeks a mandamus directing the authorities to consider his representation filed on 02.01.2026 for constitution of Advisory Board to consider his plea for premature release.

2. Mr.Muniyapparaj, learned Additional Public Prosecutor who accepts notice for the respondents, on instructions, makes preliminary submissions outlining the response of the authorities.

3. Since the prayer is for a mandamus simplicitor and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor accedes to the receipt of representation by the

respondents, we would prefer to direct the authorities to look into the representation and dispose the same on merits.

4. Hence, there is a direction to the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Home, Prohibition and Excise Department/R1 to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 02.01.2026 in line with the relevant Government Orders and Rules and pass orders thereupon, within a period of twelve (12) weeks from today.

5. Since mandamus as sought for is achieved, this Writ Petition stands disposed.

(A.S.M.,J.) (S.M.,J.) 23-03-2026 sl Index: Yes/No Speaking order To

1. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Home, Prohibition and Excise Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Director General of Police and Director General of Prisons and Correctional Service, Whannels Road, Egmore, Chennai - 600 008.

DR.ANITA SUMANTH J.

AND SUNDER MOHAN J.

3. The Superintendent of Prisons, Central Prison, Coimbatore - 18.

4. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras. 23-03-2026