Velumani objects to court-monitored probe against him by DVAC
The Hindu
Ex-Minister says it will cause serious prejudice to his right of defence
Former Municipal Administration and Rural Development Minister S.P. Velumani of the AIADMK has objected to a court-monitored probe into a case registered against him by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on August 16, ordered on the basis of Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report that some private civil contractors benefited unduly due to injudicious analysis of corporation tenders during his tenure.
In a counter affidavit before the Madras High Court, he said there was no need for a court-monitored probe since he was no longer a Minister. “The need to monitor the investigation does not arise in view of subsequent change in political scenario. I am no longer a Minister and even otherwise, I never had any nexus or access with the law-enforcing authorities to scuttle the process of fair and independent investigation,” his affidavit read.
He said that a court-monitored investigation would cause serious prejudice to his right of defence. “The continuation of this writ petition would create further prejudice to my legal remedies in as much as any legal forum which I approach would be awaiting the outcome of the present writ petition,” he said. The counter was filed in response to a writ petition filed by Arappor Iyakkam, in 2018.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urges people to understand the organisation's goal of uniting Hindu society, emphasizing close contact over distance.
Madurai Reader’s Mail
Congress accused Himanta Biswa Sarma of indulging in an “atrocious smear campaign” against Gaurav Gogoi.
Historic one-day Assembly session in Kokrajhar symbolizes peace and integration, a major highlight of Chief Minister Sarma's tenure.
The debate on reservation in judicial appointments for diversity and representation in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Boosting business confidence, India and U.S. aim to double commerce to $500 billion by 2030 through bilateral trade agreement.
Actors Vikrant Massey and Bhumi Pednekar advise students to focus on life skills, not just exams, during PM's Pariksha Pe Charcha.
Two Rajpura youths deported from the U.S. arrested for murder upon landing at Amritsar airport.
Fatal accident on Purvanchal Expressway in Barabanki; tempo-traveller collides with bus, leaving 4 dead and 6 injured.
Vizianagaram district installs CC cameras on State Highways to reduce accidents, identify vehicles, and promote road safety.
Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu mourns the death of film producer and actor Krishna Veni, honoring her contributions.
Illegal Indian immigrants deported from the U.S. were brought back in shackles, revealing the harsh reality of their journey.
UN report highlights resilience of ISIL and Al-Qaida, with ISIL-K posing a serious threat in Afghanistan and beyond.