RAJENDRAN Vs. STATE REP

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This case reflects the shocking episode, wherein one Suganthi, working as a Senior Telecom Office Assistant in the C.G.M.Office, Tamil Nadu Circle, Chennai, and her mother Krishnammal, a widow working as a Headmistress in an Elementary School, were directed by six persons, claiming themselves to be Kattapanchayatdars of Valayapatti village, who imposed a fine of Rs.50,000/- upon them, for not having complied with their direction to join her husband, and made to repeatedly prostrate before them, in order to reduce the quantum of fine. Accordingly, Suganthi prostrated before the said panchayatdars from 10.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. on 03.08.2003 continuously, requesting the panchayatdars to reduce the fine amount and, at last, graciously, the kattapanchayatdars reduced the fine of Rs.50,000/- and finalised the same at Rs.19,058.75 and only after collecting the same, the kattapanchayatdars released and relieved the mother Krishnammal and the daughter Suganthi.

(2.) On the basis of a written complaint given by Suganthi, on the orders of the Superintendent of Police, Trichy, a case was registered by the Sub-Inspector of Police, All Women Police Station, Musiri Taluk, Trichy, for the offences under Sections 498-A,342,384,385,406 506I and 149 of IPC, against her husband, in-laws and the kattapanchayatdars. Consequently, all the persons, including kattapanchayatdars are now before this Court, seeking for anticipatory bail, apprehending arrest in the above case.

(3.) The history of crime is as old as mankind itself. This evil has been existing since the dawn of civilisation. The primitive society had some basic customs, which were respected by all the members of the society. Respect for customs was actuated, that any one, who violated the custom, would be punished by the God.