The Madras High Court urged Tamil Nadu to collaborate with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding alleged financial irregularities involving TASMAC. The Advocate General opposed cooperation, criticizing the ED’s unannounced raids. The Court emphasized the need to avoid personal pride while questioning the ED’s motives, especially ahead of upcoming Tamil Nadu elections.
The Supreme Court today stayed a Madras High Court judgment that reinstated corruption cases against Tamil Nadu Ministers KKSSR Ramachandran and Thangam Thenarasu. The Court issued a notice to the State and other respondents, instructing them to submit their replies within four weeks. The High Court’s single-judge initiated criminal revision proceedings following allegations of disproportionate assets.
The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the bail plea of Vijay Nair, the former communication in-charge of the Aam Aadmi Party, who is implicated in a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Nair has been in custody for almost two years and the trial has not commenced despite 353 witnesses. Nair is challenging the trial court’s denial of his default bail plea. The money laundering case originates from a CBI FIR and alleges Nair’s involvement in arranging kickbacks for the Delhi government in exchange for favors related to the liquor retail business in Delhi. The ED accuses Nair of acting as a middleman for the ‘South Group’ and facilitating meetings with government officials. Raids were conducted at nearly three dozen locations in Delhi and Punjab, and other prominent figures are also implicated in the case.
