The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the Madras High Court order cancelling bail granted to 12 accused in the murder case of BSP leader K Armstrong.
A Bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar passed the interim order. Senior Advocates Gopal Sankaranarayanan and V. Mohana appeared for the petitioners. Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra appeared for the respondent(s).
Justice Maheshwari dictated the order. He said: “In the meantime, the extension of the order of stay on cancellation would operate [on the same terms and conditions of bail] as allowed by the trial court”.
Armstrong Murder Case
K Armstrong was hacked to death on July 5, 2024. The attack took place outside his residence in Perambur, Chennai. A group of armed assailants carried it out.
High Court Quashed Chargesheet
On September 24, 2025, a Single Bench of the Madras High Court quashed the chargesheet filed by the State police. It also transferred the investigation to the CBI.
The Court passed that order in a petition filed by Armstrong’s brother, K Immanuvel. He sought a CBI probe. He alleged major shortcomings in the investigation by the State police.
The High Court found procedural lapses in the investigation. It also noted material contradictions in the chargesheet.
Supreme Court Stayed CBI Transfer
In November 2025, the Supreme Court stayed the High Court’s direction to transfer the investigation to the CBI.
High Court Cancelled Bail
In February this year, the Madras High Court passed the impugned order. It cancelled the bail granted by the trial court to 12 accused persons.
The Court passed that order while hearing a plea filed by Armstrong’s wife, Porkodi.
The High Court noted that the case was still at the stage of framing of charges. It also considered the submission that bail could lead to witness tampering and destruction of evidence.
The High Court directed the accused to surrender before the Principal Sessions Court, Chennai, on or before March 6. The Court later extended that deadline.
Supreme Court Grants Interim Relief
The Supreme Court has now stayed the cancellation of bail. The stay will continue on the same terms and conditions fixed by the trial court.
Case Title: ASWATHAMAN Versus PORKODI AND ORS.
Case No.: SLP(Crl) No. 4327-4328/2026 (and connected cases)
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