The High Court’s decision to increase Kelvin Chelvam’s sentence is widely seen as a necessary step to uphold the integrity of the justice system and reflect the severity of his actions. As a police officer, Chelvam held a position of public trust and was expected to uphold the law, yet he actively participated in the neglect and abuse of a vulnerable worker under his care. By increasing his jail term, the court has sent a clear message that those in positions of authority will face harsher consequences for failing to protect the vulnerable.
Proponents of the harsher sentence argue that the original 10-year term did not adequately account for the betrayal of his professional and personal responsibilities. As the registered employer, Chelvam had a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of his employee. Instead, he stood by while she was starved and beaten, and later attempted to obstruct the police investigation. This behavior undermines the standards expected of law enforcement officers and the broader community.
Furthermore, this ruling serves as a deterrent against the abuse of foreign domestic workers. By ensuring that all parties involved in such heinous crimes receive appropriate punishment, the judiciary reinforces the principle that no one is above the law. The decision provides a measure of closure for the victim's family and the public, affirming that the legal system takes the protection of all residents, regardless of their employment status, with the utmost seriousness.