Madras High Court reserves orders on cases filed by former minister S.P. Velumani to quash FIRs against him
The Hindu
The former AIADMK minister has been accused of irregularities in the awarding of corporation contracts during his tenure; the Madras High Court has deferred its verdict in the case
The Madras High Court on Tuesday reserved orders on petitions filed by former Municipal Administration Minister S.P. Velumani of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) to quash two First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against him for alleged irregularities in the award of corporation contracts during his tenure.
Justices P.N. Prakash and RMT Teekaa Raman deferred their verdict after hearing the arguments advanced by senior counsel S.V. Raju for the former minister and Advocate General R. Shunmugasundaram as well as State Public Prosecutor Hasan Mohammed Jinnah for the State government and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC).
Senior counsel N.R. Elango argued for the, complainant R.S. Bharathi of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and advocate V. Suresh represented Jayaram Venkatesan of Arappor Iyakkam, the other complainant.
Winding up his arguments at the close of the proceedings, Mr. Suresh said, his client’s complaint was fully supported by documentary evidence. He claimed that those documents had been obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005 and submitted to the DVAC.
The documents revealed collusion in the awarding of tenders and said that multiple tenderers had submitted their tenders from the same Internet Protocol (IP) address and on the same day
The counsel contended that the tenderers had formed a cartel and ensured that the contracts got awarded only to identified companies. He alleged the former minister was also a part of the cartel.
Cyclone damage in Thanjavur's Cauvery delta threatens sugarcane yields, raising concerns for farmers ahead of Pongal celebrations.
Police Commissioner praises home guards for their vital role in maintaining law and order during the 63rd Raising Day celebrations.
Governor to inaugurate Telangana Global Rising Summit 2025, focusing on investments and economic growth with key global speakers.
Advocates urge Karnataka Chief Justice to establish a High Court Bench in Mangaluru to improve access for coastal litigants.
Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru emphasizes the need for accessible justice at the grassroots level during a legal awareness camp.
Minister requests additional allocation of parboiled rice from FCI
Water level in Mullaperiyar dam stands at 138.90 feet
IMA president calls for exemption of doctors from Consumer Protection Act-2019, citing legal challenges impacting the medical profession.
Hyderabad Police announce a new welfare society for Home Guards, enhancing support and benefits for their dedicated service.
Central Railway introduces special weekend trains between Pune and Bengaluru to accommodate increased passenger demand.
Activists demand stronger monitoring of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to combat delays and systemic failures in justice.
UDF manifesto promises FIFA-standard stadium, metro revival, tech hub, and social welfare initiatives for Kozhikode’s development and growth.
Operation Kavach in Hyderabad involved 5,000 police personnel conducting late-night vehicle checks to enhance public safety.