The Madras High Court on Monday directed the government counsel to get information onthe steps taken on a representation by an advocate who filed a writ petition seeking a direction to the authorities to arrest Sri Lankan Minister Douglas Devananda, an absconding accused in a city murder case.
The First Bench, consisting of Chief Justice M.Y. Eqbal and Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, has posted the petition for further hearing next week.
In the petition, P. Pugalenthi, said the Choolaimedu police had registered a case against Mr. Devananda in connection with the killing of Thirunavukkarasu. In June 1994, the VI Additional Sessions Judge had issued a proclamation warrant against Mr. Devananda treating him as an absconding accused. The Minister continued to be an absconding accused and a proclaimed offender.
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The petitioner alleged that the Minister was involved in two other criminal cases. He said he had sent two representations to the authorities requesting them to arrest Mr. Devananda and prosecute him.
When the petition came up on Friday, the Bench posted the matter for Monday.
In his arguments, M. Radhakrishnan submitted that the Minister had not been arrested yet. Answering questions from the Chief Justice, counsel said there was no extradition treaty between India and Sri Lanka. He said he had already sent representations to the government even prior to the arrival of the Minister in India a few days ago. The authorities should be directed to take action against the Minister, he said.
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Mr. Devananda has already left the country.