The Madras High Court on Wednesday questioned the Tamil Nadu government over the non-implementation of its earlier order directing the registration of a case in connection with alleged irregularities in recruitment within the Municipal Administration Department.
The issue came up during the hearing of a contempt of court petition filed by AIADMK MP Inbathurai, who alleged that the authorities had failed to act despite clear judicial directions.
The case pertains to allegations that bribes amounting to ₹634 crore were collected for appointments to 2,538 posts, including Assistant Engineers, Junior Engineers, and Sanitary Inspectors in the Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department. Based on these allegations, a complaint had been submitted to the Director General of Police and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), seeking registration of an FIR.
Earlier, while hearing a petition filed by Inbathurai seeking action on the complaint, a bench led by the Chief Justice had directed the DVAC to immediately register a case.
However, alleging that the order had not been complied with, Inbathurai moved a contempt petition, which was taken up by a bench comprising Chief Justice Dharmadhikari and Justice Arul Murugan.
During the hearing, the court sought an explanation from the Vigilance Department on the delay in registering the case. In response, the department submitted that prior government sanction was required before proceeding and that approval was awaited.
The bench questioned whether such sanction was necessary even after a High Court order directing immediate registration of a case. In reply, the Vigilance Department cited Supreme Court rulings mandating prior approval from the government in such matters.
Meanwhile, the Advocate General, appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, informed the court that a review petition has been filed challenging the earlier order directing registration of the case. The court was also told that the review petition would be taken up for hearing shortly.
Recording these submissions, the High Court adjourned further hearing of the contempt petition to April.
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