The Tamil Nadu government has moved the Supreme Court challenging an interim order of the Madras High Court that stayed a lookout notice issued against former DMK minister E.V. Velu.
The case relates to allegations that, during a previous DMK regime, funds were released in advance in violation of rules for road works in the Highways Department that were allegedly not carried out, leading to irregularities involving crores of rupees. The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) is investigating the matter.
To prevent Velu from leaving the country, a lookout notice was issued. Velu approached the Madras High Court, which granted a conditional interim stay on the lookout notice and also directed him to appear in person before the DVAC on Tuesday.
Arguing that the High Court’s order could hinder the DVAC probe, the state filed an appeal in the Supreme Court and sought urgent listing before a bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant on Monday.
The Chief Justice declined to accept the request for urgent hearing, but told the state’s counsel that the court would consider taking up the matter for hearing on Tuesday.
