Supreme Court Dismisses TN Plea Against Madras High Court Relief for EV Velu

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court interim order that shielded former DMK Minister EV Velu from coercive action in an ongoing corruption case. The decision ensures that the former minister's interim protection from arrest and the stay on a look-out circular against him remain in place.

A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta rejected the state government's plea. The bench observed that the Madras High Court had already directed Velu to join the investigation. The corruption case, which was initiated by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), involves alleged irregularities in the execution of road infrastructure projects during Velu's tenure as the state's Public Works Minister.

During the hearing in New Delhi, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Tamil Nadu government, argued that the Madras High Court's interim order was improper. He contended that the order effectively granted anticipatory bail to Velu in proceedings where no such relief had been sought.

In opposition, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Velu, argued against the state government's plea. He stated that his client was being prosecuted after the change of power in Tamil Nadu.

The legal dispute stems from an interim order passed by the High Court on July 9. The High Court had passed this interim order on Velu's petition challenging the look-out circular issued against him by the DVAC. The High Court had stayed the look-out circular on the condition that Velu shall appear before the investigating officer on July 15 and cooperate with the probe. The High Court's order protected him from any coercive action until July 28.

With the Supreme Court's refusal to interfere with the High Court's ruling, Velu's interim protection remains active, requiring him to join and cooperate with the corruption investigation without facing coercive action.