Summary: In a recent decision by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, Judge L. Victoria Gowri ordered the police to officially record a case in a situation involving alleged illegal takeover of Panchami lands. This decision highlights the importance of protecting the rights of Scheduled Caste members against illegal land grabs.
On November 20, 2025, Judge L. Victoria Gowri made a decision in the case of Suriya vs. Gandhi. The case was about a fight over Panchami lands in Manapparai, Trichy District. Suriya claimed that the lands given to his ancestor in 1927 were illegally taken over by Adaikala Gounder and his son Annadurai.
The problem started when Suriya filed a complaint on November 30, 2021. The police initially thought it was a civil matter and did not record a case. However, a Special Judge in Tiruchirappalli told the police to record a case, saying that the complaint showed serious offenses under the SC/ST Act.
"The officers’ action of treating the complaint as 'civil' avoided the legal requirements," noted the court.
Suriya disagreed with the initial decision for several reasons, including the lack of a formal statement and the need for certain legal permissions. He argued that the complaint was purely civil, and permission was needed before taking action against public workers.
Judge Gowri dismissed these arguments, emphasizing that the complaint involved claims of taking away land from Scheduled Caste members. The court highlighted that the SC/ST Act requires the police to record a case without a preliminary check when such offenses are reported.
"The rule is to record, investigate, and then decide—not to dismiss by an informal check," the judgment stated.
This decision highlights the protective measures for Scheduled Castes under the SC/ST Act. It clarifies that criminal law and civil solutions can exist together and that public officials should not dismiss complaints as just civil matters.
The court's decision, delivered on November 20, 2025, emphasizes the need for quick action in cases involving the rights of marginalized communities. By ordering the police to officially record a case, the court has reinforced the legal rules meant to protect these rights.
