Citing cop’s murder, HC seeks tougher laws against rowdies

The division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice VM Velumani also condemned political parties and rights activists for failing to condemn the death of the policeman, P Subramanian in Vallandu in Thoothukudi.

The bench expressed strong displeasure over the government’s submission that there was no necessity for an Act against organised crime as there were no rowdy gangs and anti-social elements, terrorists, etc., in Tami Nadu like in the case of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The cases over the last 25 years would fortify the court’s impression that more rowdy gangs were active and anti-social elements were already very vocal in the State. It also pointed out an instance a year ago where a polytechnic student had used a firearm to commit a crime in Pallavaram.

“When such is the position, the Tamil Nadu government cannot state that there is no necessity for an enactment like MCOCA.” Such an Act would give more power to the police to effectively deal with gangsters and anti- social elements, the bench led by Justice Kirubakaran said, directing the government to come out with a proper reply as it was not convinced with the reply given by it.

The bench also took strong exception that none of the political parties came forward to condemn the murder of the policeman, who left behind a wife, a child and an unborn child. “It is very disheartening to note that the representatives of people, that is, persons who claim to be political leaders, have neither condemned the incident nor offered condolence to the bereaved family. They did not even meet the young widow nor did they come forward to offer any financial support.”

This “guarded silence” could be due to the political strategy based on communal considerations in the interest of their political fortunes, it said and added: “The cautious silence tactically approves the death of the police official at the hands of the rowdy element.”