File report on graft plaint against CM, DVAC told

Justice A D Jagdish Chandira, before whom both Advocate General Vijay Narayan and counsel appearing for the DVAC argued that there were no discrepancies in the awarding of highway contracts, adjourned the case to September 17 after seeking a report.

It was submitted that the Chief Minister’s son got married in 2014 but his in-laws were in road contract business since 1990 and hence there was nothing wrong in awarding contracts to them.

The counsel noted that as per amendments made to the Prevention of Corruption Act with effect from July 26, 2018, even preliminary enquiry requires prior government permission. “People cannot make wild allegations against the Chief Minister and expect a FIR to be registered,” the counsel added.

However, when the counsel pointed out during the hearing that all the projects are sponsored by the World Bank and hence being monitored, the judge sought a report on this regard as well.

Contending the argument, DMK’s counsel N R Elango said there was ample proof for all the allegations made and hence a FIR ought to be registered.

The DMK in its complaint had alleged that Palaniswami abused his power to allocate five highway projects worth Rs 3,500 crore to firms owned by his relatives and benamis.

It may be noted that the DMK on Tuesday had filed a rejoinder affidavit accusing the DVAC of trying to shield the Chief Minister by concealing facts pertaining to the case. The plea sought a High Court-monitored probe by a special investigation team.