Sat Nov 23 14:56:12 UTC 2024: ## Madurai High Court Orders New Investigation into Advocate’s Fraudulent Complaints
**Madurai, Tamil Nadu, November 23, 2024** – The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered a new investigation into multiple cases against an advocate accused of filing fraudulent consumer complaints to extort money. The court directed the Tirunelveli Commissioner of Police to appoint a special investigating officer, specifically an Assistant Commissioner of Police from the City Crime Branch, to handle the case.
The initial investigation, conducted by Palayamkottai police, was deemed biased and unfair by Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan, who criticized the officer’s failure to obtain the accused’s signature, secure a handwriting expert’s opinion, or adequately examine witnesses. The court set aside the final report filed by the Palayamkottai police.
The case originated from a 2023 petition filed by A. Hariharan, a hotel owner in Tirunelveli, who alleged that the advocate, identified as Bramanayagam, impersonated individuals and forged their signatures to file false complaints against his hotel with the District Consumer Forum. Hariharan claimed Bramanayagam repeatedly threatened him and extorted money.
The court’s intervention comes after concerns that the initial investigation failed to adhere to legal procedures. The new investigation is mandated to be completed and reported to the court by January 27, 2025. Additionally, an inquiry will be conducted into the actions of the original investigating officer. The court expressed hope that this will ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the multiple pending cases against the accused advocate.
First Piper 