Rajamanoj v. The Superintendent Of Police

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 04.12.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Crl. O.P(MD) No. 15242 of 2025 Rajamanoj ... Petitioner/Accused No.1 Vs 1.State of Tamil Nadu rep by its, The Superintendent of Police, Madurai District, Madurai.

2.The Inspector of Police, All Women Police Station, Melur, Madurai District.

(Crime No.3 of 2025) 3.The Inspector of Police, Melur Police Station, Melur, Madurai District.

... Respondents/Complainants PRAYER: Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to direct the respondents 2 & 3 to preserve the CCTV footage of their police station premises from 28.01.2025 to 01.02.2025 and to produce the same before the Special Court for Exclusive Trial of Cases under POCSO Act, Madurai Court, in Spl.S.C.No.165 of 2025 accordance with law. For petitioner :Mr.Rajamanoj Party in person _____________Page No. 1 of 4

For Respondents : Mr.B.Thanga Aravindh Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

O R D E R

This criminal original petition has been filed to direct the respondents 2 & 3 to preserve CCTV footage of their police station premises from 28.01.2025 to 01.02.2025 and to produce the same before the Special Court for Exclusive Trial of Cases under POCSO Act, Madurai Court, in Spl.S.C.No.165 of 2025.

2. The learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for the respondents submitted that after completion of investigation, final report was filed before the Court on 07.04.2025. The representation given by the petitioner on 28.08.2025 i.e., after four months of completion of investigation. If the petitioner is really concerned about the allegation against him, on 28.01.2025 itself, the representation ought to have been sent. But he has not done so and has come forward belatedly. Hence, he seeks to dismiss the petition.

3. Heard both sides.

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4. However, this Court is of the considered view that for the purpose of a fair trial, if the petitioner finds CCTV footage is necessary, it is to be preserved. The prosecution cannot deny the same. In view of the same, the respondents 2 & 3 are directed to preserve CCTV footage of their police station premises from 28.01.2025 to 01.02.2025 and produce the same before the learned Trial Judge, if available.

5. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is allowed. 04.12.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No dss To

1. The Superintendent of Police, Madurai District, Madurai.

2.The Inspector of Police, All Women Police Station, Melur, Madurai District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Melur Police Station, Melur, Madurai District.

4. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI,J dss Crl. O.P(MD) No. 15242 of 2025 04.12.2025 _____________Page No. 4 of 4