Tue Apr 01 11:08:30 UTC 2025: ## ED Defends TASMAC Raid, Challenges Tamil Nadu Government’s Legal Action
**Chennai, April 1, 2025** – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has strongly defended its recent search and seizure operation at the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) headquarters, challenging the legality of writ petitions filed by TASMAC and the Tamil Nadu government against the action. In a 47-page counter-affidavit submitted to the Madras High Court on Tuesday, the ED refuted allegations of illegal practices during the three-day operation (March 6-8, 2025).
The ED’s action stemmed from multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) alleging corruption within TASMAC, including unaccounted cash, inflated liquor prices, bribery, and suspicious dealings with breweries. The ED argued that its investigation, based on these FIRs and under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), is in the public interest given TASMAC’s handling of significant public funds.
The counter-affidavit details how the search was conducted with independent witnesses, stating that it was peaceful and orderly, with women employees offered the option to go home. The ED further countered claims of harassment, pointing out that three senior TASMAC officials – the General Manager (Administration), Managing Director, and Deputy General Manager (Purchase and Sale) – subsequently wrote to the ED requesting additional time to provide documents, without mentioning any coercion or rights violations.
The ED’s legal team, including Additional Solicitors General S.V. Raju and AR.L. Sundaresan, and ED Special Public Prosecutor N. Ramesh, presented the counter-affidavit before Justices S.M. Subramaniam and K. Rajasekar. The court granted TASMAC until April 8th to file a rejoinder. A separate counter-affidavit will also be filed by the ED regarding an amendment petition submitted by the Tamil Nadu government. The judges initially hearing the case recused themselves, prompting a reassignment.
First Piper 