The Madras High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to file their responses to a public interest litigation seeking a CBI probe into alleged illegal activities linked to the Murasoli Foundation.
The petition was filed by advocate K. Venkatachalapathy from Tirunelveli, citing complaints submitted on March 12 and 17. The plea seeks a court order for a CBI investigation, referring to allegations that “Panchami land” was encroached upon and that the Murasoli office was constructed on it.
Appearing for the petitioner, senior counsel Thamaseshadri Naidu told the court that the foundation had funds of Rs 143.40 crore as of March 31 last year, and claimed there were disputes related to land ownership. He also argued that the NCST, being a recommendatory body, does not have an investigative wing capable of establishing the facts.
Senior counsel P. Wilson, appearing for the Murasoli Foundation, contended that the petitioner, though describing himself as an advocate, is the BJP’s Tirunelveli district secretary and that the case was filed with political motives while suppressing facts. The judges noted that the court had not made any observation on the Murasoli office issue and that the NCST had already ordered an inquiry.
The bench comprising Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan directed the CBI, the NCST and other parties including the Murasoli Foundation to file replies, and adjourned the matter by two weeks.
