Thu Feb 05 03:13:07 UTC 2026: Headline: Madras High Court Assured of “Full Fledged Inquiry” into Cash-for-Jobs Complaint Against Minister Nehru

The Story:
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has assured the Madras High Court that it will conduct a “proper and full fledged inquiry” into a cash-for-jobs complaint lodged by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) against Minister K.N. Nehru’s Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department. This assurance came during a hearing on writ petitions seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the alleged scam. The court is now reserving its orders on these petitions. The ED claims to possess substantial evidence of a cognizable offense, while the DVAC argues it is already conducting a “detailed inquiry” and needs to conclude that before filing an FIR.

Key Points:

  • The DVAC assured the Madras High Court of a “proper and full fledged inquiry” into the cash-for-jobs complaint against Minister K.N. Nehru.
  • The ED shared evidence of alleged corruption, totaling 232 pages, with the Tamil Nadu police.
  • Writ petitions were filed by K. Athinarayanan of Madurai and I.S. Inbadurai, an AIADMK Rajya Sabha member, seeking an FIR.
  • The DVAC argues that it is already conducting a detailed inquiry and an FIR cannot be filed until its conclusion.
  • The Advocate General pointed out that the ED‘s evidence was obtained during a search related to a bank fraud case that was later quashed by the High Court on July 24, 2025.
  • The DVAC will present the outcome of the inquiry to the government within 180 days.

Critical Analysis:
The article and related context suggests a pattern of political maneuvering. The initial bank fraud case, the subsequent quashing, the retention of evidence by the ED, and the timing of sharing that evidence with the Tamil Nadu police three months later, all raise questions about the motivation and intent behind the ED’s actions. The fact that the DVAC is already conducting a detailed inquiry further complicates the matter, indicating a potential conflict of interest or jurisdiction between the two agencies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Allegations of corruption within Minister K.N. Nehru’s department are under scrutiny.
  • The ED and DVAC have differing views on how to proceed with the investigation.
  • The origin and legality of the evidence presented by the ED are being questioned.
  • The Madras High Court is playing a critical role in overseeing the investigation.
  • Political rivalries, suggested by the involvement of an AIADMK MP, may be influencing the proceedings.

Impact Analysis:

The outcome of this case has significant implications for Tamil Nadu politics. If the allegations are proven, it could lead to the resignation or removal of Minister K.N. Nehru, damaging the ruling party’s reputation. Conversely, if the investigation is deemed politically motivated or the evidence is deemed inadmissible, it could strengthen the government’s position and raise questions about the ED’s impartiality. The Madras High Court’s decision will set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future, particularly when involving inter-agency disputes and allegations of political interference.

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