Tamil Nadu's Energy and Law Minister R. Nirmalkumar on Thursday, 16 July declared that the state government would not protect anyone implicated in either the alleged encroachment of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple land in Palani or the custodial death of remand prisoner Sabarivarman inside the Nagercoil sub-jail. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat following the State Cabinet meeting, the Minister said strict legal action would follow both investigations without exception.

Palani Temple Land Encroachment

Nirmalkumar said the government was committed to a fair and transparent probe into the alleged encroachment of land belonging to the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani. He dismissed claims that influential 'power centres' were shielding those responsible, asserting that the inquiry would proceed free of interference. 'The law will take its course regardless of the status or influence of those involved,' he said, adding that anyone found guilty after the investigation would face appropriate legal action.

Nagercoil Custodial Death

On the death of remand prisoner Sabarivarman in the Nagercoil sub-jail, the Minister confirmed that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had already directed officials to take immediate and appropriate action. Nirmalkumar reiterated that the administration had no intention of shielding any individual connected to the incident. He also alleged that multiple custodial deaths had occurred during the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government without the truth being fully established, positioning the current TVK administration as committed to transparency and accountability in such cases.

Political Allegations

Turning to broader political matters, Nirmalkumar accused both the DMK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) of attempting to forge an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He also alleged that efforts were under way to destabilise the ruling TVK government by attempting to lure its legislators with offers of ₹50 crore each — a charge that, if substantiated, would constitute a serious breach of anti-defection norms.

Registration Department Reforms

On administrative reforms, the Minister alleged that fixed percentages had been collected during property document registrations under the previous DMK regime. He said the TVK government had abolished such practices by restructuring the Registration Department to improve transparency, strengthen accountability, and prevent corruption in property registration services. This comes amid broader scrutiny of state-level revenue administration practices across Tamil Nadu.

All eyes will now be on the pace and independence of the investigations into the Palani temple land case and the Nagercoil custodial death, which will test the government's stated commitment to accountability.