The Supreme Court on May 11 dismissed petitions challenging a Madras High Court order directing a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in transformer procurement by Tangedco, linked to former Tamil Nadu power minister V Senthil Balaji.
The case relates to purchases made during 2021–2023, when Senthil Balaji held the electricity portfolio. A petition filed by Arappor Iyakkam alleged large-scale malpractice in procurement, claiming the state exchequer suffered a loss of ₹397 crore. Acting on the complaint, the High Court ordered a CBI probe.
Seeking a stay on the investigation, Tangedco Chairman and Managing Director Rajesh Lakhani and procurement wing financial controller V Kasi filed appeals before the Supreme Court.
During the hearing, senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for V Kasi, opposed the High Court’s direction for a CBI inquiry and argued that the proceedings were politically motivated.
After hearing all sides, a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the appeals, stating it could not interfere with the High Court’s order for a CBI investigation.
