Madras High Court Directs Two Police Officers To Pay ₹1 Lakh Each For Failing To Register Dowry FIR

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed two police personnel— an Inspector and a Sub Inspector, of an All Women Police Station to pay Rs. 1,00,000 each as compensation to the father of woman, for closing a dowry complaint without registering an FIR despite disclosure of cognizable offence. “The lapse committed by respondents 2 and 3 [police officials] cannot be ignored, since their failure to register a case despite allegations disclosing cognizable offences resulted in avoidable hardship and prejudice to the petitioner,” Justice L Victoria Gowri said in her order.Both officials had already been placed under suspension. Taking note of the remorse expressed by the respondents and the suspension already undergone by them, the court however directed that no further departmental proceedings be initiated against the respondents, observing that the court was “satisfied that the ends of justice would be adequately met by the disciplinary action already undergone by them coupled with the payment of compensation directed herein.”In an earlier hearing, the court had criticised All Women Police Station and said, “It is deeply disturbing that, instead of inspiring confidence among women, some All Women Police Stations are increasingly perceived as informal forums for negotiated settlements, often overlooking the mandatory requirements of criminal law,” the court said. The court further observed, “Police officers are neither arbitrators nor private mediators when allegations disclose commission of cognizable offences. Their foremost obligation remains faithful compliance with the mandate of criminal law.”BackgroundAccording to the petitioner father, he had arranged his daughter's marriage with an engineer. The engagement ceremony took place on April 18, 2026, while the wedding was scheduled for June 8, 2026.The petitioner alleged that on the day of engagement, the prospective groom's family compelled him to pay Rs. 10,00,000 in cash as dowry. Later, the groom's family allegedly demanded additional dowry. As the petitioner was unable to meet the demand, the groom's family unilaterally called off the marriage.When the petitioner approached the respondents— Inspector of Police and a Sub Inspector at All Women Police Station (AWPS) in Tenkasi District—they allegedly did not register an FIR. Instead, they are said to have facilitated a private settlement, persuading the petitioner to accept only Rs. 5,00,000 as partial refund of the dowry at the time and asking him to wait a month for the remaining amount. The police then closed the complaint without any penal action. Aggrieved, the father moved the High Court seeking a writ of mandamus directing the police to act on his representation dated June 22, 2026. The government advocate submitted that the police had enquired into the complaint and that the parties had voluntarily settled the matter outside the police station, with written statements of settlement placed before the Sub Inspector.In the earlier hearing, the court had found that the petitioner's complaint prima facie disclosed the commission of a cognizable offence, which required registration of an FIR and an investigation. The court directed the police officers to explain why they had not registered an FIR, under what legal authority the complaint had been treated as settled, and why the dowry complaint had been closed.In the next hearing, the public prosecutor informed the court that disciplinary action had been initiated against the respondent police officials by placing them under suspension, and that an FIR had been registered in the case."Having considered the explanation submitted by respondents 2 and 3, their appearance before this Court expressing unconditional remorse and regret for the manner in which the petitioner's complaint was dealt with, and bearing in mind that they have already undergone suspension for a period of ten days pursuant to the earlier directions of this Court, this Court is inclined to take a lenient view insofar as further disciplinary consequences are concerned," the court said. The court said that in view of the remorse expressed by the cops and the disciplinary action already suffered by them, the State is at liberty to revoke the order of suspension with effect from 20.07.2026, if not already revoked. It however, directed the officers to pay a total of Rs 2,00,000 as compensation to the father.The plea was disposed of. Case: P. v State of Tamil Nadu, WP Crl MD No. 3809 of 2026Click Here To Read/Download Order

Madras High Court Directs Two Police Officers To Pay ₹1 Lakh Each For Failing To Register Dowry FIR

Amruta Gangajaliwale

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Amruta Gangajaliwale

Madras High Court Directs Two Police Officers To Pay ₹1 Lakh Each For Failing To Register Dowry FIR

Amruta Gangajaliwale

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Amruta Gangajaliwale

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