Madras High Court Issues Notice to Tamil Nadu Government Regarding Gnanasekaran's Preventive Detention
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Synopsis
The Madras High Court has issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government regarding the preventive detention of Gnanasekaran, accused of sexually assaulting an Anna University student. A petition from his mother challenges the detention under the Goondas Act, claiming misuse of power. The court has set a hearing date after four weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Madras High Court seeks response from Tamil Nadu government.
- Gnanasekaran is accused of sexually assaulting a student.
- Petition claims misuse of preventive detention.
- Incident occurred on December 23, 2024.
- Special investigation team formed for probe.
Chennai, Feb 27 (NationPress) The Madras High Court has issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government, requesting a response to a petition that challenges the preventive detention of Gnanasekaran, who was apprehended for allegedly sexually assaulting a student at Anna University.
A division bench consisting of Justice M.S. Ramesh and Justice N. Senthilkumar reviewed the habeas corpus petition submitted by D. Gengadevi, the mother of the accused, contesting his detention under the Goondas Act.
Representing the petitioner, advocate A. Murugavel argued that the use of preventive detention in this instance is a misuse of authority intended to label Gnanasekaran as a habitual sexual offender. He maintained that the alleged act does not constitute a violation of public order, rendering the preventive detention unwarranted.
Additional Public Prosecutor R. Muniyapparaj acknowledged receipt of the notice on behalf of the state and law enforcement.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for four weeks from now.
The incident allegedly occurred on December 23, 2024, when Gnanasekaran, a street vendor from Kotturpuram, purportedly threatened a female student of Anna University while she and her friend were in a secluded area of the campus. He reportedly took photos and videos of the student, subsequently sexually assaulting her. The accused then allegedly threatened to disseminate the images and videos on social media should the survivor disclose the incident.
However, the survivor found the strength to report the matter to the police, resulting in Gnanasekaran’s arrest by the Kotturpuram All-Women Police Station (AWPS). Following his arrest, he was taken to Stanley Government Hospital after sustaining injuries, reportedly while trying to evade police custody.
The Tamil Nadu government invoked the Goondas Act against Gnanasekaran, citing his previous involvement in similar offenses and labeling him a habitual offender.
In response to the allegations, the Madras High Court established a special investigation team (SIT) composed of three female officers to conduct a detailed inquiry. After concluding its investigation, the SIT submitted a charge sheet against the accused.
