Altercation between VCK cadre and lawyer: Madras High Court calls for CCTV camera footage

The Madras High Court on Friday sought closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of an argument between Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) cadre and a lawyer outside the Supreme Court premises on October 7, when party leader Thol was arrested. Thirumavalavan was leaving the venue after attending a protest.

Justice N. Sathish Kumar directed Additional Public Prosecutor KMD Muhilan to prepare CCTV footage of all cameras in and around the crime scene by October 27, 2025. He also directed the Esplanade police to submit a situation report at the next hearing date.

The directions were issued on a writ petition by K Balu, Co-Chairman of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (BCTNP), seeking directions to the Greater Chennai City Police to take action against anyone who “poses a threat to him” since he had sought action against Mr. Thirumavalavan, holding him responsible for the fight outside the court premises.

The petitioner’s lawyer R Elavarasan told the court that his client had received death threats for speaking against the VCK leader and hence a complaint was lodged with the police on October 15. The lawyer insisted that the police should take action against such threats and also provide protection to Mr. Balu.

When the judge wanted to know the action taken by the police regarding the altercation outside the court premises, APP replied that the police had registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) based on a complaint and counter-complaint filed by the lawyer and the VCK cadre.

On the other hand, Mr. Elavarasan said that the VCK cadre attacked the lawyer, damaged his two-wheeler outside the High Court campus and also followed him to the BCTNP building, where he was again attacked. He said the entire incident will be recorded by CCTV cameras. For this reason, the judge requested CCTV footage to determine the accuracy of the claim.