
The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court to challenge a Madras High Court order that directed the police not to “disturb” BJP leader Kesava Vinayagan. This move comes in the context of an FIR registered against Vinayagan in connection with a large cash seizure case.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to April 2024, when a flying squad team and Railway police seized ₹3.99 crore from three individuals on a train bound for Tirunelveli district. The police claimed that one of the men was associated with the BJP. Subsequently, an FIR was filed, and Kesava Vinayagan was also implicated in the case. The investigation was transferred to the Crime Branch-CID (CBCID).
High Court’s Order
Vinayagan had approached the Madras High Court seeking to quash the FIR against him. Although the court refused to quash the FIR, it directed the police not to “disturb” him, acknowledging his cooperation with the investigation so far. The court’s order was seen as a way to prevent unnecessary harassment, given that Vinayagan had already responded to summons and cooperated with the investigation (Al Jazeera).
Tamil Nadu Government’s Appeal
The state government has now moved the Supreme Court, arguing that the High Court’s protection order could impede the ongoing investigation. The government contends that the directive not to disturb Vinayagan might limit the police’s ability to conduct a thorough probe and gather necessary evidence. The appeal seeks to ensure that the investigation can proceed without any legal constraints that could hamper justice (Big News Network).
Implications of the Supreme Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court’s decision on this matter will have significant implications for the ongoing investigation and the broader context of political accountability and judicial oversight. If the Supreme Court overturns the High Court’s order, it could allow the police to pursue the investigation more freely. Conversely, if the protection order is upheld, it could set a precedent for similar cases where individuals facing investigations seek judicial protection from potential police harassment.