Madras High Court today set free a millionaire, who was allegedly detained illegally by his own relative and admitted to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
A Division Bench comprising Justice P D Dinakaran and Justice R Regupathy, who ordered the release of Deenadayalan, 54, on a Hebeas Corpus petition filed by one Uma Manickam, directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-corruption (DVAC) to conduct a detailed probe into the matter.
The probe should be under the direct supervision of DVAC Joint Director Thukaiandi, the bench said.
Noting the procedural lapses committed by a judicial officer in passing “reception order” (directing the IMH to receive and keep him there for 30 days for treatment), and the irregularities committed by police, the bench said “we feel it fit to refer the entire matter to DVAC for investigation”.
Expressing concern over the detenu and noting that the matter revolves around properties worth several crores, the bench directed that the investigating officer should ensure that the police took care of him and his properties.
During an interaction with Deenadayalan at the court, the bench found that the detenu was normal and was answering cogently and correctly.
The bench said, “the detenu was deprived of his liberty.. the detenu suffered illegal detention. Hence he is set at liberty.” Uma Manickam filed the petition contending that Deenadayalan, who was set free by the court earlier on her HCP, was again illegally detained by his brother-in-law Ravikumar with the “aid” of DMK MLA S R Raja.
When the case came up for hearing, the bench summoned all the original records regarding the FIR filed against Deenadayalan, his admission as inpatient at the IMH and perused the same.
The bench also noted some procedural lapses in passing the reception order.
It also noted that the director in charge of IMH, in his observation report stated that Deenadayalan was speaking relevant matters cogently and appeared normal.
