The Supreme Court intervened in the attempted murder case against former AIADMK leader issuing a stay on proceedings related to a 2021 incident in Nagercoil.
The Supreme Court of India took action in the criminal case involving Samuel, a former leader of the minority wing of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), who is facing charges of attempted murder. The bench, consisting of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, issued a stay on the proceedings.
Samuel, a former AIADMK leader, facing attempted murder charges stemming from a September 2021 incident over a money dispute. The complainant alleges Samuel chased and attacked him with weapons. Criminal charges were filed in the Nagercoil court, leading to the Supreme Court’s recent intervention and a stay on the proceedings.
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The situation became more complicated when the Bar Association in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, decided that none of its members would defend Samuel. This left Samuel without legal representation and raised questions about his right to a fair trial.
Despite the situation, the Madras High Court, in March of the previous year, declined to transfer the trial from Nagercoil to Tirunelveli, as requested by Samuel. The High Court’s decision was based on the presence of one advocate willing to represent Samuel, which it deemed sufficient for the trial to proceed in Nagercoil.
However, Samuel’s plea to the Supreme Court highlighted the broader implications of the Bar Association’s resolution, arguing that it violated his right to a fair trial.
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The petition emphasized,
“The action of the Bar Association has not been subject to any sanction by the Principal District Judge, Nagercoil … no disciplinary action … has been initiated by the State Bar Council of Tamil Nadu. The said Bar Association continues to act with impunity.”
The Supreme Court’s order to stay the criminal proceedings reflects a critical examination of the right to legal representation and the judiciary’s role in ensuring a fair trial. The apex court has requested a response from the Tamil Nadu Police within six weeks, indicating the importance of addressing the legal and ethical issues raised by the case.
