Madras High Court rules on corruption and disciplinary actions

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ruled that the pendency of criminal cases, particularly those involving corruption, does not prevent the initiation of departmental disciplinary proceedings against government employees. Justice B Pugalendhi observed that some officials facing graft charges have remained in service for years without facing disciplinary action, sometimes receiving subsistence allowances while no proceedings are initiated.

The court urged the state government to amend service and conduct rules to ensure strict adherence to procedures that allow for simultaneous criminal and disciplinary proceedings. This follows petitions from employees suspended after being caught by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC).

In a separate legal matter, former minister EV Velu and his son Kumaran have approached the Madras High Court to quash an FIR regarding the alleged illegal excavation of lake-bed material. The FIR, registered by the DVAC, alleges that soil was moved without permission to facilitate a political conference in late 2025.