Corruption Case – Supreme Court Declines to Disturb Interim Relief Granted to EV Velu
Corruption Case – The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with an interim order issued by the Madras High Court, providing temporary protection to former Tamil Nadu minister and DMK leader EV Velu from any coercive action while the investigation continues.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the interim protection granted to former Tamil Nadu minister and DMK legislator EV Velu in a corruption-related investigation. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging the Madras High Court’s earlier order. The apex court observed that the High Court had already directed Velu to cooperate with investigators by appearing before the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), making further intervention unnecessary at this stage.
State Government Challenges Interim Protection
Representing the Tamil Nadu government, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the High Court’s interim order had the practical effect of granting anticipatory bail, even though such relief had not been specifically requested. The state maintained that the order limited the scope of the investigation by preventing coercive action against the former minister while the probe was still underway.
After considering the submissions, the Supreme Court chose not to modify or set aside the High Court’s direction, allowing the interim protection to remain in force while the investigation proceeds.
Velu Alleges Political Motivation
Appearing for EV Velu, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the case was initiated following a political change in the state. He submitted before the court that former ministers often face criminal proceedings after a new government assumes office. During the hearing, the bench observed that similar actions may also have taken place during previous administrations, indicating that such allegations of political rivalry are not uncommon in public life.
The corruption case concerns alleged irregularities in the execution of road infrastructure projects during Velu’s tenure as highways minister in an earlier DMK-led government. Investigators are examining whether established procedures were followed during the implementation of those works.
DVAC Questions Former Minister in Chennai
Later on Wednesday, EV Velu appeared before officials of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption in Chennai for questioning in connection with the ongoing investigation. His appearance came after he had not attended an earlier summons issued for July 3.
According to sources, the former minister reached the DVAC office at around 11 a.m. and remained there for approximately five hours before the questioning concluded around 4 p.m. The inquiry focused on road development projects undertaken in Karur district during his period as highways minister.
Velu Says He Cooperated With Investigators
Speaking to reporters after the questioning ended, Velu said he had fully cooperated with investigators and answered every question honestly. He stated that he had nothing to conceal and had responded to the inquiry to the best of his knowledge.
With the Supreme Court declining to interfere with the Madras High Court’s interim order, the legal proceedings will continue while investigators carry forward their examination of the allegations. The case remains under investigation, and no final judicial findings have yet been reached regarding the accusations against the former minister.