Wed Feb 04 17:47:10 UTC 2026: ### Madras High Court Hears “Mischievous” Petition Against Tamil Nadu Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan

The Story:

The Madras High Court is reviewing a writ petition accusing Tamil Nadu Minister for Finance and Human Resource Management, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, of misleading a Madurai-based couple to relinquish their 2.26 acres of land. The petitioner, Jai Balaji Subramaniyan, alleges that the Minister induced him and his wife, R. Kalavathy, to hand over a general power of attorney to a chartered accountant, purportedly for obtaining necessary approvals for converting the land into residential plots. The petitioner claims the power of attorney was later misused to attempt unlawful alienation of the property.

The court heard arguments from the chartered accountant’s counsel who dismissed the petition as “mischievous.” The judge allowed the petitioner’s counsel time to amend the petition based on recent developments, including a show cause notice from the Lok Ayukta questioning the substance of the allegations against the Minister.

Key Points:

  • The writ petition accuses Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan of inducing a couple to part with 2.26 acres of land in Kodikulam village, Madurai East Taluk.
  • The petitioner, Jai Balaji Subramaniyan, claims he and his wife purchased the land on May 20, 2024.
  • A general power of attorney was allegedly executed in favor of a chartered accountant on June 24, 2024, at the Minister’s instance.
  • The petitioner alleges misuse of the power of attorney to unlawfully alienate the property, discovered around April-May 2025.
  • A prior writ petition was filed in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court concerning the revocation of the power of attorney, with an interim order issued on May 8, 2025.
  • An FIR was registered on October 14, 2025, regarding a fabricated life certificate used in an attempt to sell the property.
  • The petitioner approached the Lok Ayukta on December 19, 2025, accusing the Minister of abusing his official position.
  • The Lok Ayukta issued a show cause notice on January 30, 2026, questioning the lack of substantial allegations of corruption or coercion against the Minister.

Key Takeaways:

  • The case highlights potential concerns regarding abuse of power and influence by government officials in land transactions.
  • The court’s handling of the petition, allowing for amendments and further examination, indicates a commitment to due process.
  • The involvement of multiple agencies, including the High Court, the police, and the Lok Ayukta, underscores the complexity of the case and the need for thorough investigation.
  • The timing of the Lok Ayukta’s show cause notice shortly after the writ petition was filed raises questions about the coordination and information flow between the different legal avenues being pursued by the petitioner.

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