TVK district secretary collected Rs 5-Rs 30 lakh to appoint government advocates, alleges party functionary

CHENNAI: The selection of government advocates in Villupuram district was finalised before the application deadline and bribes ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 30 lakh were collected for each post, alleged TVK Advocates' Wing district joint secretary M Gnanasoundari in a petition before the Madras High Court.

After the notification inviting applications for the appointment of government advocates in Villupuram was issued on June 5, TVK district secretary Mohanraj allegedly instructed advocates belonging to the party in Villupuram to apply. Gnanasoundari said that she applied for the post of special public prosecutor, Mahila Court, Villupuram, on June 22, but the Collector's office did not issue an acknowledgement. She also applied for the post of additional public prosecutor for the Principal and Sub-Court, Villupuram, on June 29.

According to the petitioner, at 12.11 pm on June 29, a selection list was circulated through various WhatsApp groups even though the last date for submitting applications was 5.45 pm.

The circulation of the list before the deadline was arbitrary, illegal, and contrary to the notification, she said.

When she questioned Mohanraj, he allegedly informed her that it was the final selection list and that it had been prepared on the recommendation of TVK general secretary, presently the No 2 in the State Cabinet, N Anand. Advocates belonging to political parties, including the DMK and AIADMK, were also selected without following the prescribed procedure, she added.

Mohanraj colluded with government officials to collect bribes ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 30 for each appointment, she said, adding that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, who has consistently spoken against corruption and illegality, was responsible for ensuring action against those involved.

The petition is expected to be listed for hearing shortly.