Madras HC Orders ₹50K Compensation for Illegal Detention of History-Sheeter
The Madras High Court recently directed the Tamil Nadu government to pay Rs. 50,000 as compensation to R. Eswaran, a history-sheeter for illegal detention.

Justice Anand Venkatesh emphasized that the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution applies to all individuals, regardless of their character. The Court stated, “No law can say only a paragon of virtues can be paid compensation.”

Eswaran was detained under the Tamil Nadu Preventive Detention Act by an order from the Dindigul District Collector on November 23, 2021. On December 30, 2021, the Advisory Board found no sufficient reason for his detention and recommended revocation of the order. However, Eswaran was released only on March 17, 2022. Eswaran moved the court, claiming his detention from December 30 to March 17 was illegal and sought ₹10 lakh in compensation.

The State argued that the delay in his release was procedural and pointed to Eswaran’s criminal record to deny compensation. The Court rejected these arguments, stating that the delay violated Article 21. It ordered compensation of Rs. 50,000, reinforcing the principle that fundamental rights apply to all persons equally.

Source: – Live Law
By: – Rajat Ranjan
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