Did Madras HC Reject Savukku Shankar’s CBI Probe Request into the Ambedkar Scheme?
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Synopsis
In a recent ruling, the Madras High Court has dismissed Savukku Shankar's plea for a CBI inquiry into alleged misappropriations under the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme. The court emphasized the need for reviewing the eligibility of beneficiaries, affirming that only genuine sanitation workers should benefit from the scheme, thus ensuring justice and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Madras High Court dismisses CBI probe plea.
- Need for verification of tender awardee eligibility.
- DICCI to mentor genuine sanitation workers.
- Scheme intended for Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs.
- Allegations of misuse of public funds highlighted.
Chennai, June 10 (NationPress) The Madras High Court has dismissed the petition put forth by YouTuber Savukku Shankar that called for a CBI investigation into alleged financial misconduct related to the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme (AABCS).
In its decision, the court refrained from initiating a CBI inquiry. Instead, it encouraged relevant authorities to review the list of tender awardees associated with the scheme, ensuring that only qualified candidates are granted contracts.
The ruling was delivered by the division bench comprising Justice G.R. Swaminathan and Justice V. Lakshminarayanan after hearing the case during vacation court sessions in May.
The court acknowledged a commitment made by the President of the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), which affirmed that all legitimate beneficiaries would be included in Gen Green Logistics and would thus receive shares in the entity.
It instructed the authorities to adhere to the principles of natural justice while reviewing the beneficiary list and to exclude any ineligible individuals.
“The results of this review must be communicated in writing to the petitioner. This direction is essential as the petitioner has claimed that even advocates were included as beneficiaries,” the bench remarked.
The court clarified that individuals such as Ravikumar Nara or any current directors not engaged as sanitation workers would not be permitted to hold shares in the management companies of GMC Group.
It highlighted that only those awarded subcontracts by the fifth respondent board -- likely the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) -- would qualify as shareholders in Gen Green Logistics.
Recognizing DICCI’s assurance, the court ruled that DICCI should strictly act as a mentor as per the tender notification, avoiding any extraneous roles. The organization must provide support to authentic sanitation worker-contractors, who will exclusively form both the shareholding and governing bodies of the logistics company.
“Ultimately, the financial benefits of the scheme should be directed solely to sanitation workers,” the court declared.
Shankar had approached the High Court seeking a directive for the CBI to register an FIR and investigate alleged irregularities in the fund allocation under the NAMASTE and AABCS schemes.
He accused that ineligible individuals, including members of the Congress Party’s SC/ST wing and their associates, were improperly designated as beneficiaries through recommendations from TNCC President Selvaperunthagai.
These individuals allegedly secured tenders issued by the CMWSSB for hiring vehicles equipped with jet-rodding machines for sanitation work in Chennai.
According to Shankar, the scheme -- initially designed to empower Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs -- was unlawfully transferred to DICCI through a government memorandum of understanding (MoU), circumventing the designated nodal agency, the Industries Commissioner and Director of Industries and Commerce (ICDIC).
He contended that this outsourcing contravened official guidelines, allowing DICCI and Gen Green Logistics to misappropriate public funds through lease agreements with the appointed beneficiaries, while directly receiving government payments.
Point of View
We acknowledge the Madras High Court's decisive ruling in the Savukku Shankar case, emphasizing the importance of protecting public funds and ensuring that benefits are directed to intended beneficiaries. The court's commitment to transparency and accountability reflects a broader need for vigilance in public sector schemes, particularly those aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Savukku Shankar's plea about?
Savukku Shankar sought a CBI investigation into alleged fund misappropriation under the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme.
What was the court's ruling?
The Madras High Court dismissed the plea but directed authorities to verify the eligibility of tender awardees under the scheme.
What is the role of DICCI in this case?
The court ruled that DICCI must act as a mentor to genuine sanitation worker-contractors without any additional roles.
Who are the intended beneficiaries of the scheme?
The scheme is intended to benefit genuine sanitation workers and Scheduled Caste entrepreneurs.
What allegations did Shankar make regarding the beneficiaries?
Shankar alleged that ineligible individuals, including political party members, were improperly included as beneficiaries.
