Published Jul 15, 2026 | 3:24 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 15, 2026 | 3:24 PM
The Supreme Court of India. (Wikimedia Commons)
Synopsis: The multi-crore corruption case involves allegations of premature financial releases to private contractors for non-existent road works under the state’s 5,000 crore rupee Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme. Following DVAC raids on 25 June, E.V. Velu flew to Singapore for cardiac treatment, prompting authorities to issue a Look-Out Circular.
The Supreme Court has dismissed the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption’s appeal challenging the Madras High Court’s interim stay on the Look-Out Circular issued against former DMK Highways Minister E.V. Velu.
During the hearing on Wednesday, 15 July, the Apex Court took a light-hearted dig at political regimes, noting that political vendetta claims are common whenever a change of guard takes place in the state.
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The multi-crore corruption case involves allegations of premature financial releases to private contractors for non-existent road works under the state’s 5,000 crore rupee Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme.
While the 2022 complaint by Arappor Iyakkam saw no progress during the previous DMK regime, the newly formed TVK-led government fast-tracked the investigation after taking power.
Following DVAC raids on 25 June, E.V. Velu flew to Singapore for cardiac treatment, prompting authorities to issue a Look-Out Circular.
The Madras High Court subsequently stayed the circular, protecting Velu from coercive action while directing him to appear before the DVAC for questioning on 15 July.
Also Read: High Court respite for former TN minister EV Velu in vigilance case
Appearing for the Tamil Nadu DVAC before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi argued that the High Court granted unrequested reliefs, like staying arrest and the Look-Out Circular, without properly analysing the facts. Singhvi pointed out that Velu had flown to Singapore the very next day after the raids were initiated.
However, the bench quickly interrupted, questioning the DVAC’s grievance: “The matter is still pending before the Madras High Court, and this is only an interim order. Since the respondent has already returned to India from Singapore and is ready to cooperate, what is your problem in questioning him now?”
When Velu’s counsel, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, countered that the case was a text-book example of political vendetta by the newly elected Tamil Nadu government, the bench wittily remarked: “You (DMK) would have done the exact same thing when you were in power.”
Also Read: Tamil Nadu DVAC raids 13 locations linked to former minister EV Velu
Pressing further, the DVAC requested the Supreme Court to at least direct Velu to surrender his passport to ensure he remains in the country for the probe. Refusing to entertain the request, the bench stated that it would not issue directives on matters already under the High Court’s purview.
The judges noted that since Velu has committed to cooperating with the investigation, the DVAC is free to move the Madras High Court regarding the passport surrender issue.
With these observations, the Supreme Court officially dismissed the Tamil Nadu government’s petition, leaving the probe to continue under the conditions set by the High Court.
