High Court decries delay in corruption cases

The Madras High Court has sharply criticised the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption for failing to initiate trial in a 298.25 crore corruption case tied to former AIADMK minister S. P. Velumani, demanding that politically sensitive investigations not be “ambushed” by procedural lethargy. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh voiced strong displeasure over the protracted inaction during an interim order pronounced on Monday.

- HD Bureau

At the heart of the case lie allegations that between 2014 and 2018, while Velumani held the Municipal Administration and Water Supply portfolio, contracts amounting to %98.25 crore were awarded in Chennai and Coimbatore with irregularities. The case was registered in 2021, but the High Court has found that DVAC has yet to commence the trial.

The court observed that long delays erode public confidence in accountability mechanisms.