Kancheepuram DSP Remanded for Neglect in SC/ST Act Case

Fast Summary

• Incident: Kancheepuram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) M. Sankar Ganesh was remanded in judicial custody on September 8, 2025, by the Principal District and sessions Judge due to alleged failure in handling a case under the Scheduled Castes and scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
• Background of Case: The issue stemmed from an assault incident on July 25 involving Murugan, a Scheduled Caste member. He filed a complaint after being assaulted by Sivakumar,a bakery owner following an argument about stale cake. No action was initially taken on the complaint.
• Legal Context: Suo motu cognisance was taken by Judge Pa. U. Chemmal due to non-compliance with Section 18 A of the SC/ST Act (which prohibits preliminary inquiry for FIR registration). Both DSP sankar Ganesh and Kanchipuram SP K. Shanmugham were deemed negligent in their statutory duties concerning investigations and case review.
• Events at Court: High drama unfolded when DSP Ganesh attempted to leave in another vehicle but returned later before heading to sub-jail; he also underwent medical checks amid resistance from some police officers regarding his remand.
• Judicial Remarks: the judge highlighted wilful negligence regarding arrests,compliance with legal provisions under SC/ST act,delay in filing reports/orders reviews,non-monitoring of investigations even after court warnings.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This case underscores growing concerns about accountability within law enforcement institutions when handling sensitive cases such as those related to caste-based atrocities under stringent legal frameworks like the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The suo motu actions taken by Judge Pa. U Chemmal suggest increasing judicial scrutiny aimed at upholding legal safeguards intended for marginalized communities while urging officials’ adherence to statutory responsibilities.

The fact that both senior officers allegedly neglected key mandates-such as timely arrests or proper monitoring-raises questions regarding systemic implementation gaps despite existing legislation designed precisely for such protections. Moreover, incidents like these risk eroding public trust if administrative forces fail not only legally but also morally toward vulnerable sections of society.

the swift remanding action sends a strong message reinforcing that dereliction-even from higher-ranking offices-will be met with consequences if justice is obstructed or delayed intentionally.

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