HC allows impleading plea by Idol Wing chief

The Madras High Court on Wednesday allowed a petition by Idol Wing chief Pon Manickavel seeking to implead him as respondent and directed him to file a report regarding his allegations on involvement of ministers in idol theft cases.

Justice Anand Venkatesh gave the direction when a petition filed by suspended Idol Wing police official Kader Batcha, seeking a direction from the court to register an FIR against Manickavel, came up for hearing.

Batcha had alleged that Manickavel colluded with a key accused in various idol theft cases to foist false cases against the officers of the Idol Wing, including him.

Appearing on behalf of Manickavel, senior counsel Selvaraj submitted that the petitioner had already filed a contempt petition against the chief secretary and the DGP which was pending adjudication before the division bench.

The counsel further stated at the time of hearing of the contempt plea that it had been submitted to the bench regarding the involvement of ministers in the cases as well as the interference of DGP and hence, wanted his client to be heard in this case and made a request for impleading.

The judge, who ordered for impleading, also directed the petitioner to furnish whatever materials he had with him to the court and file a report.

The judge then posted the matter to August 6.

Manickavel was appointed as a special officer to head the Idol Wing CID and probe idol theft cases in the state for a year through a November 30, 2018 court order.

This was also confirmed by the Supreme Court.