Former city PP challenges removal from post in Madras HC

The Madras High Court today referred to a bench headed by the Chief Justice a petition of a former city public prosecutor challenging his termination from the post by the Tamil Nadu government.
Justice M Duraiswamy referred the petition by M L Jegan challenging the June 2 government order relieving him of the post of CPP to the CJ's bench before which a PIL related to appointment of law officers is pending adjudication.
The judge directed the court registry to place the petition before the Chief Justice for necessary orders.
In his petition, Jegan submitted he was appointed CPP on June 12, 2011 and removed from the post by the order of the Additional Chief Secretary (Home). In his place, Gowri Ashokan had been appointed.

He challenged the order, saying no reason had been cited for his removal. Due process of law had not been followed before issuing the order, he contended.
The appointment of Ashokan was in violation of the Criminal Procedure Code and on the ill advice of political bosses, the petitioner charged.

Noting that as per Section 24(4) and 24(5) of Criminal Procedure Code, the consent of the Principal Sessions Judge, Chennai, was needed for appointment of the CPP, he claimed no such opinion was sought by the authorities in making the appointment of Ashokan.
He charged that the authorities with appointing law officers as per their whims and fancies.

He sought an interim injunction on the appointment of Ashokan.