Tamil Nadu cops’ suspension stayed

The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday stayed the suspension of four senior police officers of Tamil Nadu, reversing Madras high court’s (HC’s) November 24 order. The HC had held the cops responsible for ordering lathi charge on lawyers during a clash at the HC premises on February 19.

The SC bench comprising judges GS Singhvi and AK Ganguly, however, refused to stay contempt of court proceedings against the four senior cops. Suo motu contempt of court proceedings were initiated against them for taking police personnel inside the court without court permission.

The Tamil Nadu government and three police officers had approached the SC seeking a stay on the Madras HC’s recommendations. The Tamil Nadu government argued that the police had acted with the “good intention” of protecting people and property in the court premises.