Writ of mandamus seeking a preliminary enquiry into allegations that an Assistant Divisional Engineer amassed wealth through bribes and benami transactions. Noting that the authorities had already initiated action on the complaint, the court directed the SP to oversee the enquiry and ensure its expeditious completion.
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W.P.Crl.(MD)No.959 of 2025
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED: 14.08.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE Dr. JUSTICE R.N.MANJULA
W.P.Crl.(MD).No.959 of 2025
R.Senthilkumar ... Petitioner
Vs
Alandur, Chennai.
2.The Superintendent of Police, Vigilance and Anti Corruption Southern Range, No.293, MKN Road, Alandur, Chennai. ... Respondents
PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to conduct preliminary enquiry and to take appropriate action on the complaint dated 13.06.2025 given by the petitioner within the period that may be stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioner : Mr.R.Ramanujam For Respondent : Mr.R.Meenakshi Sundaram Additional Public Prosecutor
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ORDER
This writ petition has been filed seeking for a Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents to conduct preliminary enquiry and take appropriate action on the complaint dated 13.06.2025 given by the petitioner within a stipulated time.
2. The petitioner has been engaged in public service and he has alleged that one Jothi Basu, Assistant Divisional Engineer in the Highways Department, Trichy, have misused his official position to amass wealth worth several crores of rupees through corrupt practices. The said person colluded with road contractors by receiving huge sums as bribe and purchased properties through benami transactions in the names of his wife, other relatives and his staffs. Those persons in whose favour the properties have been transacted did not have any independent source of income.
3. It is the contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner that a complaint in this regard has been sent by the
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petitioner with the transaction details that has been duly acknowledged. However, so far, no preliminary enquiry or action has been taken. Hence, this writ petition is filed.
4. Mr.R.Meenakshi Sundaram, learned Additional Public
Prosecutor, who takes notice on behalf of the respondents, on instructions, submitted that a communication has been sent to the Deputy Superintendent of Police / Inspector of Police, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, Dindigul, to conduct a preliminary enquiry on the allegation made by the petitioner. It appears that the communication has been issued only on 12.08.2025. Since the communication appears to be confidential in nature, the petitioner may not be aware of the same.
5. As the records would show that action has already been
initiated on the complaint given by the petitioner, no further order is required at this stage, except directing the second respondent to oversee the enquiry to be conducted by the Inspector of Police, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, Dindigul and to ensure the enquiry
is completed expeditiously and a report is filed at the earliest.
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W.P.Crl.(MD)No.959 of 2025
of. No costs.
14.08.2025 NCC :Yes/No Index:Yes/No Rmk
To 1.The Director, Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption, No.293, M.K.N.Road, Alandur, Chennai. 2.The Superintendent of Police, Vigilance and Anti Corruption Southern Range, No.293, MKN Road, Alandur, Chennai. 3.The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.
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W.P.Crl.(MD)No.959 of 2025
R.N.MANJULA. J.
Rmk
W.P.Crl.(MD).No.959 of 2025
14.08.2025
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1 issue framed by the court
Whether the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption authorities could be directed to conduct a preliminary enquiry and act on the petitioner's complaint alleging disproportionate assets by a Highways Department
1 provisions across 1 enactments
R.Senthilkumar
The Director, Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption, Chennai
The Superintendent of Police, Vigilance and Anti Corruption Southern Range, Chennai
R.N.MANJULA
As recorded by the court registry
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
