Madurai Bench considers death sentence reference
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has granted time to police personnel convicted in the Sathankulam custodial deaths case to file individual appeals, after a trial court awarded them the death penalty. The relief was extended to those who have not yet moved the High Court.
Background of the case
The case relates to the deaths of traders Jayaraj (63) and his son Bennix (31) from Sathankulam in Thoothukudi district. They were taken to the police station on the night of June 19, 2020, following an argument over keeping their shop open beyond permitted hours during the lockdown, and were allegedly assaulted during interrogation. Both later died after being lodged in the Kovilpatti sub-jail. The investigation was transferred to the CBI by the Tamil Nadu government.
Trial court verdict and compensation
The CBI filed the murder case against Inspector Sridhar and eight others. On April 6, the First Additional Sessions Court, Madurai, sentenced all nine to death and imposed a fine of Rs 1.40 crore, directing that it be paid to Jayaraj’s wife Selvarani.
Court’s directions on appeals
A division bench of Justices N. Anand Venkatesh and K.K. Ramakrishnan heard the matter, with the accused appearing via video from Madurai Central Prison. Two of them—Balakrishnan and Muthuraja—have already filed appeals through counsel, while the others sought time to engage lawyers. Sridhar said he intended to argue in person and sought 15 days’ parole to prepare his appeal, but the bench declined to pass orders on parole at this stage, noting that facilities for typing and computer work are available in prison. The case has been adjourned to June 4, after which a date will be fixed for day-to-day hearing.
