Deepa v. The Deputy Inspector General Of Prisons,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 17-06-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE DR.JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN AND WPMP CRL. NO. 308 OF 2026 Deepa D/o.Mani, No.10(3), Pudhiya colony, Thiruvalam, Vellore-632515.
..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Chennai Range, Prison Head Quarters, Whannels Road, Egmore, Chennai-600 008.
2. The Superintendent of Prisons, Central Prison-I, Puzhal, Chennai-600 066.
..Respondent(s) Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a WRIT OF CERTIORARIFIED MANDAMUS and calling for the records in the order dated 02.04.2026 bearing No.120/mu.uu.1/2026 passed by the respondent no.1 and quashing the same and consequently directing the respondents to grant 21 days ordinary leave without escort to the petitioner brother namely Venkatesan S/o.Mani aged about 41 years, Convict Prisoner, PID No.482676, Central Prison-I, Puzhal.
For Petitioner(s):
Ms.S.Nadhiya For Respondent(s):
Mr.C.R.Malarvannan, Counsel For Government Of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side)
ORDER
(Made by Dr.Anita Sumanth J.) The sister of Venkatesan, who is a convict lodged in Central Prison, Puzhal, is before us challenging the rejection of leave sought for by the convict.
2. The reasons set out in the impugned order dated 02.04.2026 are that the authorities do not find any justification or truth in the plea for leave. The convict has stated that he wished to go on leave on account of his mother's illness (knee problem) and also to make arrangements for his family members livelihood.
3. However, the report of the Probation Officer does not find any justification in either of the reasons set out by the convict. According to the Probation Officer, the convict's mother is employed in the 100 days scheme and on enquiry with the Doctors, he does not find any truth in the averments relating to her ailment.
4. The petitioner relies on an order passed in W.P. No. 38862 of 2024 dated 07.01.2025, wherein the respondents have been directed to release the convict for 21 days leave. Though the Court has, in that order, proceeded on the ground that the report of the Probation Officer was in favour of the petitioner,
that does not appear to be correct in fact, as both then, as well as now, the opinion of the Probation Officer's are in consensus that there is no justification in the reasons assigned seeking leave.
5. Be that as it may, some material is produced before us now to substantiate the ailments of the convict's mother. Let those materials be produced before the authorities. A copy of the medical certificate is supplied to the learned counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side) for onward transmission to the authorities, who will re-consider the application for leave within two (2) days and pass orders in accordance with the extant Rules.
6. This writ petition is disposed. No costs. Connected miscellaneous petition is closed.
(A.S.M.,J.) (S.M.,J.) 17-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking order ssm To
1. The Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Chennai Range, Prison Head Quarters, Whannels Road, Egmore, Chennai-600 008.
2. The Superintendent of Prisons, Central Prison-I, Puzhal, Chennai-600 066.
3. The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.
DR.ANITA SUMANTH, J.
AND SUNDER MOHAN, J.
ssm AND WPMP CRL. NO. 308 OF 2026 17-06-2026