CHENNAI: Upset over city Police Commissioner S George not appearing before a single-member bench of the Madras High Court on Monday, the judge warned that a non-bailable warrant could be slapped on him if he again fails to appear before it on March 27.
Justice S Vaidyanathan had earlier ordered George to appear on Monday before the court since the city police did not file a status report on pending cases despite an order from the court in August last. However, George did not appear and it was submitted in the court on his behalf that the report sought by it was filed last month.
The judge took serious view of this and wondered if the report was clandestinely submitted last month to avoid appearance in the court.
Justice Vaidyanathan directed that George appear before the court on March 27. “Since this court intends to clarify on the exact date of filing of the report, the Commissioner of Police is directed to appear before this court on March 27 and explain the same to avoid issuance of non-bailable warrant,” the judge said.
The judge said nothing prevented the police from filing a petition seeking extension of time for submission of the report.
“Thus, it is clear that the report has been filed at the eleventh hour only to prevent the appearance of the Commissioner of Police before this court,” the judge quipped.
Originally, while granting bail in a criminal original petition on August 22, 2016, the judge called for certain details with regard to pendency of cases till 2011 and their status before December 6. The police had delayed filing the report and submitted it in only last month.