Madras High Court Orders Armed Security for Retired IAS Officer U Sagayam in Multi-Crore Granite Scam Case, Directs Tamil Nadu DGP to Ensure Safe Court Appearance
In a significant development linked to one of Tamil Nadu’s most high-profile corruption cases, the Madras High Court has directed the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) to provide armed security to retired IAS officer U. Sagayam whenever he appears before the trial court as a witness in the multi-crore granite mining scam. The court’s order comes amid concerns raised by the former bureaucrat that the withdrawal of his security cover had left him exposed to potential threats from those allegedly connected to the illegal mining network.
The interim direction is being viewed as an important step to ensure that a crucial witness in the long-running case can participate in judicial proceedings without fear or intimidation. U. Sagayam, widely known for his uncompromising stand against corruption during his administrative career, has remained one of the central figures associated with the investigation into the alleged granite mining irregularities that drew national attention.
Security Cover Withdrawn After Nearly a Decade
According to the petition placed before the High Court, Sagayam informed the bench that police protection provided to him since 2014 had been withdrawn in 2023. He claimed that the decision was taken without any prior notice or explanation, despite the fact that the circumstances surrounding the granite mining case had not changed and the threats against him had never completely disappeared.
The retired IAS officer argued that the removal of security had created serious concerns about his personal safety. As an important witness in the ongoing criminal proceedings, he is required to appear before the trial court from time to time. Without adequate protection, he submitted, attending court hearings had become increasingly difficult.
His plea stressed that individuals allegedly linked to the illegal granite mining operations continued to pose a security risk. Given the sensitive nature of the case and his role in exposing the alleged scam, he maintained that police protection remained essential.
Court Hears Plea Over Continued Threat Perception
The matter came up before Justice G. K. Ilanthiraiyan, who examined the submissions made by both sides. During the hearing, Sagayam’s counsel highlighted that the former officer had repeatedly expressed concerns regarding his safety after the withdrawal of police protection.
The petition stated that the absence of security could discourage or hinder his participation in judicial proceedings. Since he is expected to depose before the trial court as a key witness, any threat to his safety could have implications beyond his personal security and could also affect the smooth conduct of the trial.
Sagayam also informed the court that he had already submitted a formal representation to the Tamil Nadu government in October 2025 requesting that his security cover be restored. Along with seeking the continuation of police protection, he had urged the authorities to take an early decision on his request. However, according to the petition, no final decision had been communicated despite the passage of several months.
Tamil Nadu Government Says Request Is Under Consideration
Representing the state government, officials informed the High Court that Sagayam’s request for continued security was still under active consideration. The government submitted that the matter was being examined by the concerned authorities and that a decision would be taken after completing the necessary review.
Taking note of this submission, the High Court decided that an interim arrangement was necessary to address the immediate concerns raised by the retired bureaucrat.
Rather than waiting for the administrative process to conclude, the court directed the Tamil Nadu DGP to ensure that at least one armed security personnel accompanies Sagayam whenever he appears before the trial court as a witness. The direction is intended to provide immediate protection during court appearances until the government reaches a final decision regarding his request for regular security.
Court Calls for Expedited Decision
Apart from ordering temporary protection, the High Court also instructed the authorities to speed up the process of reviewing Sagayam’s representation. The court indicated that the matter should not remain pending indefinitely, especially considering the nature of the allegations made regarding continuing threats.
The direction reflects the judiciary’s effort to balance administrative procedures with the immediate need to safeguard an important witness connected to a major criminal prosecution.
The interim order ensures that Sagayam will not have to attend court proceedings without adequate security while the state government completes its assessment.
A Bureaucrat Known for Taking on Corruption
Throughout his career in the Indian Administrative Service, U. Sagayam built a reputation for maintaining a firm stand against corruption and administrative irregularities. He earned public recognition for his transparent style of functioning and willingness to investigate sensitive matters involving influential interests.
Among the cases most closely associated with his career is the investigation into the alleged illegal granite mining activities in Tamil Nadu. During his tenure in public service, he played a key role in uncovering suspected irregularities involving granite quarrying operations that reportedly caused substantial financial losses to the state exchequer.
The case attracted widespread public attention because of the scale of the alleged illegal mining activities and the serious accusations involving violations of mining regulations and environmental norms. Over the years, the investigation has remained one of the state’s most closely watched corruption cases.
Importance of Sagayam’s Testimony
As the criminal proceedings continue, Sagayam’s testimony is expected to carry considerable weight. Having been directly associated with the inquiry into the alleged scam, he is regarded as one of the prosecution’s most significant witnesses.
Legal observers believe that statements made by officials who were directly involved in investigating alleged irregularities often become an important component of the prosecution’s effort to establish the sequence of events before the trial court.
The High Court’s latest order appears to recognize the importance of ensuring that such witnesses are able to participate freely and confidently in judicial proceedings without concerns about their personal safety.
Witness Protection and Rule of Law
The case has once again drawn attention to the broader issue of witness security in sensitive corruption and organised crime investigations. Ensuring adequate protection for witnesses is widely regarded as an essential aspect of maintaining the integrity of the criminal justice system.
When individuals connected to major investigations express concerns regarding their safety, timely action by the authorities can play a crucial role in ensuring that judicial proceedings continue without unnecessary disruption or intimidation.
The Madras High Court’s interim direction reflects this principle by focusing on the immediate requirement of safeguarding a key witness while allowing the state government to complete its review of the request for continued police protection.
What Lies Ahead
For now, retired IAS officer U. Sagayam will receive armed security whenever he appears before the trial court in connection with the granite mining scam. At the same time, the Tamil Nadu government has been asked to expedite its decision on whether his broader request for continued police protection should be approved.
The final outcome of the government’s review will determine whether the interim arrangement evolves into a permanent security measure. Until then, the High Court’s order seeks to ensure that one of the most prominent witnesses in Tamil Nadu’s long-running granite mining case can discharge his legal responsibilities without compromising his safety.
The development marks another important chapter in a case that has remained under public scrutiny for years. As the trial progresses, all eyes will remain on the judicial proceedings, the government’s decision on Sagayam’s security, and the eventual outcome of one of Tamil Nadu’s most closely followed alleged mining scam cases.
