How an ex-IPS officer, transferred by Election Commission for praising Jayalalithaa, later became AIADMK MLA

Ex-IPS officer R. Natraj's political journey: from expulsion by Jayalalithaa to AIADMK MLA amidst controversies and challenges.

CHENNAI

On International Women’s Day in 2006, just as Tamil Nadu was headed for a general election, a newspaper published the views of some prominent personalities on women they admired. R. Natraj, the then Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai, was quoted as saying: “Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is the perfect example of the ideal woman. I think she is an icon, and every woman should look up to her.”

Immediately, DMK leader and Union Minister of State A. Raja lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), calling into question Mr. Natraj’s capacity to function impartially. Mr. Raja said, since the Commissioner had praised the Chief Minister, he could not be depended upon to ensure a “free and fair poll” in the Greater Chennai region, which comprised 20 Assembly constituencies.

The ECI, headed by Chief Election Commissioner B.B. Tandon, soon directed the Tamil Nadu government to transfer Mr. Natraj from his post. The Jayalalithaa government, however, wrote to the ECI urging it to reconsider its decision. The poll body declined.

R. Natraj in September 2005 | Photo Credit: V. Ganesan

Thereafter, the State Home Secretary moved the Madras High Court challenging the ECI’s decision. “The said officer is a senior police officer, with a commendable track record and impeccable integrity. His official conduct in the discharge of duties has been constantly fair and impartial,” the Home Secretary said. Transferring him for expressing his personal views appeared too harsh and incorrect, he added.