CHENNAI: On behalf of Valarmathi (23), a student of Salem Periyar University, who has been detained under the Goondas Act a couple of days ago, a habeas corpus petition has been filed to produce her in the court and to set her at liberty.
A division bench of Justices A Selvam and P Kalaiyarasan adjourned the matter by a day. Valarmathi was arrested for taking part in agitations against implementation of a hydro-carbon project at Neduvasal at Kathiramangalam on July 13 last. While so, Salem Police Commissioner passed the detention order under the Goondas Act on July 17.
Her father Mathaiyan filed the petition. When it came up before the bench on Wednesday, counsel sought adjournment, as her bail application was pending before a lower court for adjudication. Petitioner submitted the allegation of minor infraction of law and order can be controlled under normal laws of the land and there was no compelling necessity to pass the detention under the Goondas Act. The detention was per se illegal and abuse of power, he contended and prayed the court to quash the same.