High Court takes exception to tardy probe into idol theft case

Justice R Mahadevan who is presently sitting at the Madurai bench on being told through video conferencing that a mere 19 cases have been transferred to IG Pon Manickavel while he had directed the transfer of all the 531 pending cases, took a stern view of this and directed the State Public Prosecutor to appear on Monday and explain the lapses. 

Also, when there was no answer from the Government pleader to a pointed question about the creating of a special court to try these cases, the Judge said that he would like to issue contempt notice to the Chief Secretary as well as the DGP as the direction was addressed to them. 

However, on repeated requests made by the Government Pleader, Justice Mahadevan dropped issuing the contempt notice and said whether it may be Chief Secretary, DGP or IG, everybody should obey the orders of High Court and none is exempted from this. The case has been posted for further hearing to November 11.