Corruption – Legal Notice Intensifies Tamil Nadu Cash-for-Jobs Row
Corruption – A fresh legal development has heightened political tensions in Tamil Nadu after the Madras High Court directed the state’s anti-corruption body to immediately initiate criminal proceedings based on material shared by the Enforcement Directorate.
The controversy comes just months before the Assembly elections, placing the spotlight on allegations of irregularities in recruitment within the Municipal Administration Department.
Court Directs Immediate Case Registration
In an order issued on February 20, the Madras High Court instructed the state’s Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to promptly register a case after reviewing information submitted by the Enforcement Directorate.
The bench observed that the material shared by the central financial crime investigation agency pointed to cognisable offences that required immediate legal action. In its ruling, the court noted that while the matter could potentially be handed over to a specialised independent agency, it considered it appropriate for the state vigilance department to begin proceedings without delay.
The judges further directed the DVAC to file a case based on the Enforcement Directorate’s communication dated October 27, 2025, under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and to carry out a detailed and time-bound investigation in accordance with the law.
The court also made it clear that inaction could open the door for transferring the probe to another competent agency.
Legal Notice from AIADMK MP
Amid claims that no First Information Report has yet been registered, AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP IS Inbadurai has issued a legal notice warning of contempt proceedings.
Inbadurai, who also serves as secretary of the party’s Advocate Wing, has alleged that the vigilance department has failed to comply with the High Court’s explicit directions. He stated that the notice was dispatched on Tuesday and accused the agency of disregarding judicial authority.
In his communication, the parliamentarian warned that continued non-compliance would compel him to approach the court for contempt action and seek the transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation or another independent body.
He asserted that ensuring adherence to the rule of law was a responsibility attached to his office as a Member of Parliament.
Focus on Alleged Recruitment Irregularities
The dispute centres on the first of three reports reportedly submitted by the Enforcement Directorate last year. According to submissions made before the court, the agency alleged widespread bribery linked to appointments in the Municipal Administration Department, which is headed by Minister KN Nehru.
Investigators claimed that bribes ranging between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 35 lakh were collected from candidates seeking government posts. The Enforcement Directorate told the court that searches had yielded documents and electronic data suggesting what it described as an organised recruitment racket.
Based on this material, the agency forwarded its findings to the state vigilance department for criminal action under relevant legal provisions.
The High Court underscored that once a law enforcement body receives information disclosing cognisable offences, registering an FIR is not optional but mandatory.
DVAC Maintains Silence on Next Steps
Despite the court’s clear direction, the DVAC has neither registered an FIR nor publicly challenged the order. A senior official from the agency, speaking to NDTV on condition of anonymity, said internal legal consultations were ongoing.
The lack of immediate action has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that delay undermines judicial authority.
Political Reactions Intensify
Minister KN Nehru has rejected the allegations, maintaining that they are politically motivated and that he is prepared to address the matter through legal channels.
The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has accused the Enforcement Directorate of acting under pressure from the BJP-led central government to target leaders in states governed by non-BJP parties ahead of elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party has denied these claims, stating that central agencies operate independently and pursue cases based solely on evidence.
With the Assembly polls approaching and judicial scrutiny intensifying, the vigilance department’s response in the coming days is expected to carry both legal and political significance across Tamil Nadu.