Tamil Nadu has stepped up its anti-corruption enforcement, registering a higher number of cases and tightening action in the current year. However, the effort is facing a major hurdle as court processes to secure final convictions often stretch for years.
According to 2024–25 data from the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption wing, 199 trap cases were registered during the year, while the total number of cases across categories stood at 681. Even as fresh cases are being booked faster, older matters are not being disposed of at the same pace.
Statewide, 1,385 bribery-related cases have remained pending in courts over the past decade, with 3,380 people facing trial. In addition, 624 tribunal inquiries involving 1,527 people are pending, and 724 departmental disciplinary proceedings linked to 5,430 government officials are yet to be completed.
An anti-corruption official said delays often arise while collecting and coordinating documents from concerned departments, especially in cases involving government staff. The official also cited witnesses not appearing regularly, transfers of officials, and the absence of special courts as factors that prolong trials.
Coimbatore-based advocate Mohamed Sameer said courts are operating with inadequate staffing, creating a situation where work meant for several people is handled by one. He also pointed to avoidable delays in government-related cases, and urged time limits based on the nature of cases, along with a system to record reasons when deadlines are exceeded.
