G.O. Ms. No. 97, Commission of Inquiry into the 23rd January 2017 Law and Order Disturbances
The Government of Tamil Nadu, Public Department (Law and Order), issued G.O. Ms. No. 97, Public (Law and Order-F), dated 31st January 2017, appointing a Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice Thiru. S. Rajeswaran, retired Judge of the High Court of Madras. The Commission was directed to investigate the law and order disturbances on 23rd January 2017 following the agitation for holding Jallikattu, including damage to public and private property, police use of force and measures to prevent similar incidents.
What the notification does
The Government of Tamil Nadu, Public Department (Law and Order), issued G.O. Ms. No. 97, Public (Law and Order-F), dated 31st January 2017. Acting under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, the Governor of Tamil Nadu appointed a single member Commission of Inquiry consisting of Justice Thiru. S. Rajeswaran, a retired Judge of the High Court of Madras.
The inquiry concerns the law and order disturbances that occurred on 23rd January 2017 in Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore and other parts of Tamil Nadu following the agitation for holding Jallikattu.
Matters covered by the inquiry
The Commission of Inquiry was directed to:
- Investigate the causes and circumstances leading to the disturbances on 23rd January 2017.
- Examine damage caused to public and private property.
- Determine whether the force used was appropriate in the circumstances.
- Determine whether any police officials used excessive force.
- Suggest action to be taken if excess by police officials was found.
- Recommend measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
The Governor of Tamil Nadu also directed that the specified provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952 relating to the Commission's inquiry powers would apply.
Who may be affected
The Commission's work may be relevant to owners or occupiers whose private property was damaged during the disturbances, because private property damage is expressly included in its terms of reference. It is also relevant to police officials whose conduct or use of force could be examined, and to public authorities responsible for preventing similar incidents.
G.O. Ms. No. 97 does not set out a compensation scheme, a procedure for property owners to submit claims, or any change to land ownership, patta, registration, planning or land use. Its purpose is to establish an inquiry and define the matters that the Commission must examine.
Report deadline
The Commission of Inquiry was required to complete its work and submit its report to the Government of Tamil Nadu in both English and Tamil within three months from the date on which the notification was published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does G.O. Ms. No. 97 change my land title, patta or land use?
No such change is set out. G.O. Ms. No. 97 appoints a Commission to investigate the 23rd January 2017 disturbances and related matters, including property damage.
Can a private property owner claim compensation under this notification?
The Commission may inquire into damage to private property, but the notification does not establish a compensation scheme or a claims procedure.
Will the Commission examine police use of force?
Yes. The Commission must determine whether the force used was appropriate and whether any police officials acted excessively, and suggest action if excess is found.
When was the Commission required to submit its report?
The Commission was required to submit its report in English and Tamil within three months from publication of the notification in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette.
