Supreme Court refuses relief to former minister in cash-for-jobs case
The apex court declined to intervene against a Madras High Court order allowing the DVAC to investigate alleged recruitment irregularities.
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed an appeal by former DMK Minister K.N. Nehru challenging a Madras High Court order that allowed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC) to register a First Information Report (FIR) and investigate a multi-crore cash-for-jobs scam, according to The Hindu.
A Bench headed by Justice Dipankar Datta stated that a thorough investigation was necessary as Mr. Nehru was heading the ministry under scanner for involvement in the alleged recruitment irregularities. The Bench noted that the former minister is entitled to raise all points in his defence during future proceedings.
Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for Mr. Nehru, argued that the proceedings were politically motivated by a political rival and violated principles of natural justice. He contended that the High Court relied on documents in a sealed cover without giving Mr.
Nehru an opportunity to respond.
The case involves allegations of illegal gratification for filling 2,538 posts of Assistant Engineers, Junior Engineers, and Town Planning Officers in the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) department. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) reportedly shared a dossier with the Tamil Nadu Police in October last year regarding the allegations.
The ED had obtained materials in April 2025 during a search at the premises of Mr. Nehru’s brother, N. Ravichandran, in connection with a bank fraud case.
The materials allegedly disclosed bribe amounts of ₹25 lakh to ₹35 lakh per person being exchanged through hawala transactions.