The Madras High Court on Wednesday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the alleged irregularities in the transformer tender procurement, worth around Rs 397 crore, which occurred in the state of Tamil Nadu during the tenure of Senthil Balaji as Minister for Electricity and Prohibition and Excise between 2021 and 2023.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan directed the CBI to conduct a de novo investigation based on the available material, indicating a fresh and independent probe. The national agency was asked to proceed expeditiously and submit a report.
Stressing the need for a thorough and impartial inquiry, the High Court ordered the state government, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to extend full cooperation and ensure that all relevant documents, including all case-related records and connected materials, were handed over to a designated investigating officer, who must be appointed within two weeks.
The matter arose from writ petitions filed under Article 226 by the Arappor Iyakkam and individuals affiliated with various political parties, seeking registration of an FIR and investigation into alleged corruption in the tender process. The petitioners submitted that despite multiple representations to the State authorities, no effective action had been taken.
During earlier hearings, the Court had called for details of the preliminary enquiry conducted by the DVAC. The petitioners also alleged delay in obtaining prior sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which was required for initiating prosecution against public servants.
The Counsel appearing for the state of Tamil Nadu responded that such a sanction had subsequently been granted. The state opposed the petitions on the grounds that they were politically motivated and filed with an ulterior purpose in view of impending elections.
However, the Court rejected this objection, observing that serious allegations of corruption could not be dismissed solely on the ground of the petitioners’ political affiliations. While passing the order, the Bench clarified that its observations were limited to the necessity of an independent investigation and would not influence the merits of the case.
A detailed judgment is awaited.
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