Madras High Court questions need for 'huge' police force at Poes garden

By PTI  |   Published: 30th October 2017 09:45 PM  |  

The Poes Garden residence of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa | EPS

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court today sought to know the reason behind the stationing of a "huge" posse of police personnel at the Poes Garden residence of J Jayalalitha.

Observing that police personnel were burdened with "unnecessary" bandobast and not even given time for spending with their families, Justice N Kirubakaran asked the Additional Advocate General: "What is the need for deploying such a huge police force at the Poes Garden now. I have seen a large number of personnel there today also." The judge made the passing reference orally when a police report with regard to action taken against tobacco sellers was submitted.

Not satisfied with police's action, the judge wanted to know why the police department is not appointing people who are well-versed in law.

The matter relates to a plea filed by T C Sharath for action against smokers in public places.

When it came up for hearing today, the judge orally observed that these days the sub-inspectors are unable to file FIRs properly.

The judge, while referring to cases and FIRs filed, asked the Additional Advocate General "what is the use of these FIRs ... every section is bailable ... there are no non-bailable sections." When the AAG responded to a question that the training period of SIs is one year, the judge suggested that it may be extended.

Not satisfied with the report, the judge directed the AAG to file a fresh one.

The judge observed that policemen are deployed for unnecessary political and other purposes and hence are unable to perform their official duties.

He said police personnel be given some time to spend with their families and children