The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court issued notice to the State Government and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today in a plea for disclosure of NHRC's "undisclosed" 2018 investigation report into police firing following the Sterlite Protests (May 28, 2018) in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Mr. Henri Tiphagne, Executive Director of People's Watch, appearing party-in-person, has challenged the closure order of NHRC dated 25.10.2018, seeking directions to reopen the case in NHRC in the matter of killing of unarmed protestors.

The Bench of Chief Justice of Madras High Court Sanjib Banerjee and Justice TS Sivagnanam directed the NHRC to forward a copy of the spot investigation report to the H.C. in a sealed cover if the matter is sensitive and to file a counter to the petition by Mr. Tiphagne.

The Chief Justice strongly observed that it is alarming that the State, through its police personnel, fired on unarmed protestors, and despite the passage of three years, no action was taken against them.

"It is not good in the civilized society and governed by the constitutional schemes, merely throwing money is not right to the family of victims and closes the case," the Bench added.

Henri Tiphange Vs The National Human Rights Commission