Dispute Over Rs. 10 Coin: Madras HC Refuses To Order Disciplinary Action Against Cop [Read Order]

The Madras High Court recently refused to direct initiation of disciplinary authority against an inspector of police, Tiruttani, for allegedly refusing to register a complaint against a tea shop owner who refused to accept 10 Rupee coin for coffee, and detaining the Petitioner illegally for three hours.

Justice T. Raja observed that the Petitioner, Mr. E. Palani had not come to the Court with clean hands, opining that the Petition seemed like an afterthought as none of his complaints mentioned the fact of his illegal detention.

Mr. Palani, who had appeared in person, had submitted that a shop-owner near Lord Muruga Temple at Tiruttani refused to accept a Rs. 10 coin for tea. The shop-owner allegedly explained that he was merely complying with a resolution passed by the traders in Tiruttani bus, who had decided to not accept these coins. When Mr. Palani approached the Police, they allegedly supported the shop-owner instead.

The Court, however, dismissed the Petition, noting, "In none of these complaints, the petitioner has made any mention about his illegal detention in the fifth respondent Police Station. Moreover, no where he has mentioned the intervention of the two of his counsel for his release from illegal detention. That shows that the petitioner has come to this Court with an afterthought. Therefore, this Court is unable to entertain this writ petition. It is well settled legal position that any one should come to the Court with clean hands. In the present case, it is clear from the documents filed in support of the petition that the petitioner has not come to this Court with clean hands."