Madras High Court
WP CRL.(MD)/5737/2026 of M.Jahangir Abbas Vs The Superintendent of Police on 26 October 2026
WP Crl.(MD) No. 5737 of 2026
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED: 26-10-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MRS JUSTICE K. GOVINDARAJAN
THILAKAVADI
WP Crl.(MD) No. 5737 of 2026
CNR:{HCMD011476462026}
M.Jahangir Abbas
..Petitioner(s)
Vs
1. The Superintendent of Police
O/o of the Superintendent of Police,
Ramanathapuram District
2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police
O/o the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rameswaram Sub-Division Ramanathapuram District
3. The Inspector of Police
Mandapam Police Station
Mandapam
Ramanathapuram District.
..Respondent(s)
PRAYER: This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a WRIT OF MANDAMUS directing the 1st Respondent to remove the name of the Petitioner from History Sheet No.06 of 2021 maintained on the file of the 3rd Respondent, Mandapam Police Station, by considering the Petitioner’s representation dated 31.08.2026, within such time as this Court may stipulate.
For Petitioner(s):
M/s.K.Yasar Arafath
For Respondent(s):
Mr.K.Suyambulinga Bharathi
Additional Public Prosecutor
WP Crl.(MD) No. 5737 of 2026
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ORDER
This writ petition is filed seeking a direction to the 1st Respondent to remove the name of the Petitioner from History Sheet No.06 of 2021 maintained on the file of the 3rd Respondent, Mandapam Police Station, by considering the Petitioner’s representation dated 31.08.2026, within such time as this Court may stipulate.
2. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondents and perused the records.
3. The maintenance of a History Sheet is a preventive measure governed by the applicable Police Standing Orders and cannot be resorted to mechanically or continued indefinitely without reference to the circumstances warranting such surveillance. This Court is of the view that the continued retention of a person's name in a History Sheet must be supported by the conditions prescribed under the applicable Police Standing Orders and cannot be continued merely because such person was an accused in a criminal case which has subsequently ended in acquittal.
4. Accordingly, the second respondent is directed to consider the representation dated 31.08.2026 submitted by the petitioner, along with the acquittal order dated 26.05.2026 produced by him, examine the
WP Crl.(MD) No. 5737 of 2026 records relating to the History Sheet and reconsider the necessity for continuation of the History Sheet in the light of the petitioner's acquittal dated 26.05.2026 and the applicable Police Standing Orders. The second respondent shall pass a reasoned and specific order, after affording sufficient opportunity to the petitioner, and complete the above exercise within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
5. If, upon such consideration, the second respondent finds that the petitioner no longer satisfies the requirements for continuation of the History Sheet under the applicable Police Standing Orders, appropriate orders shall be passed for its closure/removal, in accordance with law.
6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 26-10-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No TM To
1. The Superintendent of Police O/o of the Superintendent of Police, Ramanathapuram District
WP Crl.(MD) No. 5737 of 2026
2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police O/o the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rameswaram Sub-Division Ramanathapuram District
3. The Inspector of Police Mandapam Police Station Mandapam Ramanathapuram District.
4. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.
WP Crl.(MD) No. 5737 of 2026 K.GOVINDARAJAN THILAKAVADI, J. TM WP Crl.(MD) No. 5737 of 2026 26-10-2026