Madras High Court Orders Inquiry Into Woman's Claim That Her Family Is Being Ostracised On Directions Of Kangaroo Court

The Madras High Court has directed the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police, Krishnagiri, to inquire into claims of a woman that her family is being ostracised by the village upon directions of the Katta Panchayat (Kangaroo court). Justice Krishnan Ramasamy directed the authorities to conduct an inquiry and ensure that no injustice is caused to the woman and her family, and their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution are preserved. “Considering the submissions made by either parties, the respondents 1 and 2 is directed to conduct enquiry independently in this regard and ensure that no injustice is caused to the petitioner by violating her fundamental rights as contemplated under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The aforesaid exercise shall be completed within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order,” the court said. The court was hearing a petition filed by P Revathi of Pillakuppam Village in Krishnagiri Taluk. Revathi submitted that she owned land in the village and one of the private respondents owned the adjacent land. She submitted that when she denied land to the respondent to utilise as pathway, he brought the issue before the katta panchayath. Revathi submitted that the leaders of the katta panchayat passed an illegal order, directing Revathi and her family to be ostracised, and the same was to be announced by thandora all over the village. The Katta Panchayath also ordered that Revathi not be allowed to take water from the public water sources and allowed to purchase groceries from the local shops. Revathi submitted that the Katta Panchayat curtailed her worship right and directed the villagers not to participate in any of her family functions. Additionally, the Katta Panchayat also ruled that in case of violation, Revathi and her family had to pay Rs 1 lakh to the katta panchayat. If any shopkeeper was found to violate the order, they were directed to pay Rs 25,000 as fine. Revathi submitted that though she had made representations before the authorities, no action had been taken till date, prompting her to approach the court. The State, however, submitted that the Regional Divisional Officer had conducted an enquiry and found that no such action had been taken as alleged by Revathi. To this, the petitioner submitted that even as on date, the same situation prevailed against her and her family. Considering the issue, the court directed the Collector and the Superintendent to conduct inquiry. The court added that if any illegality was found to be committed by the private respondent and the Katta Panchayat leaders, legal action could be taken against them, including filing of an FIR. Counsel for Appellant: Mr.Gnanavel For Mr.N.Stalin Counsel for Respondents: Mr.P.Ganesan, Mr.R.Venkatesa Perumal Government Advocate, Mr.I.Siddiq For M/s.Dass and Viswa Associates Case Title: P Revathi v. The District Collector and Others Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Mad) 148 Case No: WP No. 32501 of 2023Click Here To Read/Download The Judgment

Madras High Court Orders Inquiry Into Woman's Claim That Her Family Is Being Ostracised On Directions Of Kangaroo Court

Upasana Sajeev

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