The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the State government and police officials to ensure the proper implementation of the grievance redressal mechanisms available against atrocities committed by those charging exorbitant interest rates. The court also directed the Director General of Police to issue circulars in this regard.
A division bench of Justices M. Satyanarayanan and R. Hemalatha observed that the redressal mechanisms under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Charging Exorbitant Interest Act, 2003, and the Tamil Nadu Money Lenders Act, 1957, should be properly implemented.
The court suggested that the DGP, through experienced police officials, conduct awareness programmes for the effective and proper implementation of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Charging Exorbitant Interest Act.
The court observed that the Station Officers at all the police stations in the State should be educated on the provisions of the Act and the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy’s assistance could be availed to conduct a refresher course.
The HC issued the orders while hearing a public interest litigation filed seeking protection of the general public against atrocities committed by those charging exorbitant interest rates.
The petitioner, R. Kanagavel Pandian of Madurai, had demanded that awareness be created on the issue and counselling be provided by the district authorities to the public.
He sought the setting up of a committee – Anti-Exorbitant Interest Abolition Unit – to receive such complaints.
He also sought action under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Charging Exorbitant Interest Act and the Tamil Nadu Money Lenders Act to safeguard the victims and punish those charging exorbitant interest rates.
