Prima facie irregularities were evident, ruled the division bench of Chief Justice M.M. Srivatsav and Justice G. Arul Murugan. The ED had alerted the state DGP about Minister K.N. Nehru allegedly taking bribes for jobs and contracts.

Petitions by AIADMK leaders Inbadorai and Adinarayanan brought the issue to court. ED representatives detailed evidence dispatch from a parallel inquiry. Government counsel affirmed instructions to vigilance for examination.

The bench rejected preliminary probes, citing robust ED documentation. Directives include case filing, detailed scrutiny, and appropriate prosecution.

This ruling amplifies concerns over favoritism in public sector dealings. It signals zero tolerance for malpractices that undermine public trust and resource allocation.

With elections looming, such exposures could reshape political narratives. The forthcoming probe outcomes will be closely watched by opposition and civil society alike.