Crl.O.P.(MD)No.498 of 2026 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 09.01.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Crl.O.P.(MD)No.498 of 2026 Stephen Jesuraj ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The Superintendent of Police, O/o.The District Superintendent of Police, Karaikudi. 2. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, O/o.The District Superintendent of Police, Karaikudi. 3. The Inspector of Police, Karaikudi South Police Station, Senjai, Karaikudi District. Cr.No.313/2025, District - 10.12.2025. 4. Manisha Banu ... Respondents PRAYER : Petition filed under Section 528 of BNSS, 2023 to direct the respondent police to not to harass the petitioner under the guise of investigation in Cr.No.313/2025 for an offences under section 296(b), 324(4) and 351(2) of BNS. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Ponaravind For Respondents : Mr.S.Ravi (R1 to R3) Addl. Public Prosecutor 1/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.O.P.(MD)No.498 of 2026 ORDER The petitioner seeks for a direction to the respondent police not to harass the petitioner under the guise of investigation in Cr.No.313/2025 for the offences under Sections 296(b), 324(4) and 351(2) of BNS, 2023. 2. When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondent police categorically contended that once a criminal case has been registered against the accused, the petitioner has no locus standi to file a petition seeking protection from alleged harassment. It was further submitted that the appropriate remedy available to the petitioner, in such circumstances, is to approach the competent court by filing an anticipatory bail application. 3. Recording the same, this Criminal Original Petition is disposed of. 09.01.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Sm 2/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.O.P.(MD)No.498 of 2026 TO:- 1. The Superintendent of Police, O/o.The District Superintendent of Police, Karaikudi. 2. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, O/o.The District Superintendent of Police, Karaikudi. 3. The Inspector of Police, Karaikudi South Police Station, Senjai, Karaikudi District. 4. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. 3/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Crl.O.P.(MD)No.498 of 2026 L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Sm Order made in Crl.O.P.(MD)No.498 of 2026 Dated 09.01.2026 4/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis