Arguments on Stalin complaint maintainability on July 30

By K.T.Sangameswaran

CHENNAI, JULY 26. The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is to hear arguments from both sides on the maintainability of the Chennai Mayor, Mr. M. K. Stalin's, complaint to the panel alleging police excesses at his residence, on July 30.

The Commission today ordered issue of summons to the complainant and the respondents-the Home Secretary, Director- General of Police, DIG of Police, CB CID and the Chennai Commissioner of Police-to appear before it, either in person or through counsel, to hear their arguments.

Following the complaint, the SHRC constituted the full Bench, consisting of Mr. (Justice) K. Swamidurai, Mr. S. Sambandham and Dr. M. Sushila Raj, and issued notices to the respondents.

Mr. Stalin, in his complaint, alleged that the police acted in a ``high-handed manner'' at his house at Velachery. His family members were ill-treated.

He prayed the Commission to initiate a probe and take action against the guilty police personnel.

Meanwhile, the State Government, in a letter to the SHRC, had said in view of Section 36 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (Matters not subject to jurisdiction of the Commission) read with regulation no.9 of SHRC, Tamil Nadu (procedure) Regulation, 1997, the SHRC ``may await the receipt of the report'' of the Raman Commission of inquiry into the allegation of excesses by police while arresting the former Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, and the Union Ministers, Mr. Murasoli Maran and Mr. T. R. Baalu.

Official sources told The Hindu that the communication had also said one of the terms of reference in the inquiry commission was to ``inquire whether there are any lapses on the part of police personnel and if so to suggest the action to be taken against such erring police personnel''.

In view of the legal provisions, the rights panel could wait till the inquiry commission completed its probe and sent the report, the sources said.

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