Supreme Court Refuses to Interfere in Madras High Court’s Interim Relief to Former Tamil Nadu Minister E.V. Velu
The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to interfere with the Madras High Court’s interim order granting protection from coercive action to former Tamil Nadu Minister and senior DMK leader E.V. Velu in a corruption case linked to alleged irregularities in road infrastructure projects. The ruling effectively allows the High Court’s interim protection to remain in force while the matter continues before it.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the plea filed by the State of Tamil Nadu, which had challenged the High Court’s order restraining the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) from taking coercive steps against Velu. The Supreme Court chose not to interfere at this interim stage, indicating that the proceedings before the High Court should continue in accordance with law.
The controversy stems from a DVAC investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the execution of road development projects during Velu’s tenure as a minister. The anti-corruption agency has accused the former minister of involvement in offences relating to the award and execution of public works contracts, allegations that Velu has disputed while seeking judicial protection.
Earlier, the Madras High Court had granted interim protection from coercive action after hearing Velu’s challenge to the investigation. The State Government subsequently approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the High Court’s order hampered the investigation and should be set aside. However, the apex court was not persuaded to intervene at this preliminary stage.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to entertain the State’s challenge does not amount to a final determination on the merits of the corruption allegations. Instead, it preserves the existing interim arrangement, leaving the High Court to examine the legality of the investigation and any further relief sought by the former minister. The criminal investigation itself is expected to continue subject to the protection granted by the High Court.
The order is being viewed as a significant procedural development in one of Tamil Nadu’s closely watched corruption cases involving a prominent political figure. While the State retains the right to pursue its investigation, any coercive action against E.V. Velu will remain governed by the directions of the Madras High Court until further judicial orders.
