Madurai, Mar 31:
A Madurai court on Monday came down heavily on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Tamil Nadu government for delays in submitting their views on sentencing in the high-profile Sathankulam custodial deaths case, setting April 2 as the final deadline.
The I Additional District and Sessions Court expressed strong displeasure over the failure of both agencies to file detailed submissions regarding the quantum of punishment for the nine convicted police personnel.
Observing that the case carried significant public importance, the court termed the delay unacceptable and stressed the need for timely compliance.
During the hearing, it was noted that while a report had been submitted on behalf of the Thoothukudi Superintendent of Police, comprehensive inputs from both the CBI and the State were still pending.
The CBI sought additional time citing procedural delays, but the court refused to entertain further excuses and granted what it called a final opportunity to submit all required reports by April 2.
The court had earlier directed authorities to provide crucial details necessary for deciding the sentence, including the physical and mental health condition of the convicts, their financial status, and prison conduct reports. These documents are considered essential in determining the appropriate punishment, and their absence led to the court’s sharp reaction.
The case relates to the 2020 custodial deaths of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Bennix in Sathankulam in Thoothukudi district, an incident that had sparked nationwide outrage over alleged police brutality.
On March 23, 2026, the court convicted all nine accused policemen, holding them responsible for custodial torture that led to the deaths.
With the conviction already delivered, the focus has now shifted to sentencing. The court has made it clear that no further delays will be tolerated and that the prosecution must submit all pending materials before the next hearing. The final decision on punishment is expected after April 2, once the court reviews the submissions.
The case continues to remain under intense public scrutiny, seen as a critical test of accountability in custodial violence cases. The court’s firm stance signals an effort to ensure timely justice in a matter that has drawn attention across the country.