Chennai, March 3 (IAN) On Tuesday, the Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court that the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) is contemplating a review petition regarding the court's February 20 directive to file a First Information Report (FIR) in the alleged cash-for-jobs scandal associated with the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, led by Minister K.N. Nehru.

During the proceedings before the division bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan, Advocate General P.S. Raman stated that the DVAC is considering a review of the order requiring the FIR to be registered immediately.

This submission came amidst a contempt petition lodged by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Rajya Sabha member I.S. Inbadurai against former DVAC Director (in-charge) A.T. Durai Kumar.

The petitioner accused the DVAC of willful non-compliance with the High Court’s order, highlighting that over ten days had passed without any action.

Senior counsel V. Raghavachari, representing the petitioner, argued that the DVAC did not act in accordance with the clear judicial instructions.

In response to the Bench's inquiry, Raman clarified that typically, the Advocate General does not participate in contempt cases and that senior counsel N.R. Elango would represent the DVAC. Nevertheless, he noted that the agency has sought legal advice on whether prior approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, is necessary before proceeding with the FIR.

Following initial arguments, the bench instructed the DVAC to submit a comprehensive counter-affidavit within two weeks and postponed the hearing.

In his affidavit, Inbadurai characterized the alleged scam as “serious and systematic”, asserting that bribes ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 35 lakh were solicited from candidates for 2,538 positions, including Assistant Engineers and Junior Engineers.

He referenced findings from the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), which reportedly discovered evidence indicating that the funds were funneled through hawala channels before entering the banking system.

Reports suggest that the ED has confiscated documents during searches at the homes of the Minister’s brothers, N. Ravichandran and K.N. Manivannan, among others.

Previously, the High Court expressed dissatisfaction over the DVAC's limited inquiry despite the ED’s evidence, ordering the immediate registration of an FIR, emphasizing the gravity of the accusations.