Tamil NaduMonday, 27 July 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
Madras High Court orders armed police protection for retired IAS officer Sagayam in granite scam witness case
In July 2026, the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu DGP to provide armed police protection to retired IAS officer Sagayam, who is a witness in granite scam cases.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, the Madras High Court ordered the Tamil Nadu DGP to provide at least one armed police guard to retired IAS officer Sagayam, who is appearing as a witness in granite scam-related cases.
Key specifics
- Sagayam had served as Madurai District Collector before being appointed by the High Court to inquire into the granite irregularities.
- He told the court that illegal granite quarrying caused a loss of ₹1,11,000 crore to the government.
- His police protection had been withdrawn in 2023, and he said he could not appear in court as a witness after that.
- The court also directed the review committee to examine his request for continued protection and pass orders.
- The case was heard by Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan in the Madras High Court.
Exam lens
Question type: Tamil Nadu judiciary and governance, key facts: Madras High Court, July 2026, Tamil Nadu DGP, ₹1,11,000 crore, 2023 withdrawal, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan. TNPSC may ask who ordered protection and why the witness status matters.