Chennai: The Madras High Court on Wednesday ordered a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged irregularities worth Rs 397 crore in transformer tender procurements during the tenure of Senthil Balaji as Tamil Nadu’s Electricity and Prohibition and Excise Minister between 2021 and 2023.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan directed the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to transfer all case-related records to the CBI.
The court said that an officer to head the investigation must be appointed within two weeks.
The Bench further ordered a de novo investigation by the CBI based on available materials, underscoring the need for an independent and comprehensive probe. It also directed the state government, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, and the DVAC to fully cooperate with the central agency and ensure that all relevant documents are handed over promptly.
The court instructed the CBI to take earnest steps to carry out an effective investigation and submit a report.
A detailed order in the case is awaited.
The petitions were filed by Arappor Iyakkam and members affiliated with various political parties, alleging that the state had failed to act on complaints seeking registration of an FIR against those involved in the alleged scam.
The petitioners informed the court that repeated representations to the government had elicited no response.
During earlier hearings, the Bench had sought details of the preliminary enquiry conducted by the DVAC, along with tender-related documents and other materials.
Petitioners also argued that there was a delay in granting a sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act to prosecute the former Minister.
The state, however, maintained that the sanction had since been granted. Opposing the petitions, the state contended that they were politically motivated, filed by individuals linked to rival parties ahead of elections, and therefore not maintainable.
However, the court rejected this argument, observing that serious allegations cannot be dismissed merely on the basis of the petitioners’ political affiliations.
The Bench clarified that its observations were limited to the necessity of an independent investigation and would not influence the merits of the case.
Balaji resigned from the state cabinet on February 13, 2024, after spending eight months in jail following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a cash-for-jobs scam.
(IANS)
