Published Feb 20, 2026 | 4:35 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 20, 2026 | 4:35 PM
Madras High Court
Synopsis: The Bench observed that the materials provided by the ED disclosed prima facie evidence regarding alleged irregularities in municipal appointments and tender allotments. The court held that since sufficient materials had been furnished, there was no need for a preliminary inquiry.
The Madras High Court on Friday, 20 February, directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register a criminal case based on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) report regarding allegations of bribery and irregularities in tender allotments in the Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration Department.
The ED had earlier written to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP), seeking registration of an FIR based on evidence collected during the course of investigation in another case. The agency stated that the materials disclosed irregularities in recruitment and tender processes.
Following the ED’s communication, AIADMK’s Rajya Sabha member IS Inbathurai and K Adhinarayanan, president of the Maruthu Senai Society, filed separate petitions before the High Court, seeking directions to register a case based on the agency’s letter.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice MM Srivastava, also comprising Justice G Arul Murugan, heard the petitions.
During the hearing, the ED submitted that it had forwarded evidence gathered in another investigation to the DGP and requested that a case be registered based on those materials.
The Tamil Nadu government informed the court that the ED’s letter had been forwarded to the State authorities and that the DVAC had already been directed to conduct an inquiry.
After considering the submissions, the Bench observed that the materials provided by the ED disclosed prima facie evidence regarding alleged irregularities in municipal appointments and tender allotments. The court held that since sufficient materials had been furnished, there was no need for a preliminary inquiry.
Directing the DVAC to register an FIR and proceed with the investigation in accordance with the law, the Bench disposed of the matter. However, the petition filed by Adhinarayanan was dismissed.
