SHRC recommends compensation to Arappor Iyakkam convenor in case of police excess

A file image of Jayaraman Venkatesan, convenor, Arappor Iyakkam.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Monday (April 29, 2025) recommended the Tamil Nadu government to pay a compensation of ₹22 to Jayaram Venkatesan, convener, Arappor Iyakkam, in a case of police excess reported in July 2018.

SHRC member V. Kannadasan also recommended the State government to recover ₹11 each from the respondent police personnel — Inspector of Police Devaraj and Kavitha — then attached to the Taramani police station in Chennai.

In his complaint, Mr. Venkatesan said on July 13, 2019, 11 volunteers of Arappor Iyakkam were unlawfully detained by the Taramani police for conducting a field visit of the Kallukuttai lake. A case was later registered against them on a foisted complaint.

Contending that the actions of the police were in violation of the fundamental rights of the citizens, he sought disciplinary action against the officials involved. Mr. Venkatesan further sought a compensation of ₹1 for each of the volunteers detained.

The SHRC’s Investigation Division submitted a report according to which the then sub-inspector of the Taramani police station registered a case against the Arappor Iyakkam members at the instigation of the inspector. The case was taken on file by the 18^th Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Saidapet, which was later stayed by the High Court in its order in March 2021.

The report said one of the police personnel gave a complaint and a case was registered, which amounted to “abuse of their police power.” The SHRC issued summons to the respondents, who gave their counters. After considering the complaint, counter statements, proof affidavits, and the exhibits marked, the SHRC said it was of the considered opinion that the respondents No.1 and 2 had violated the human rights of the 11 volunteers of the non-governmental organisation.