Madras HC rejects KN Nehru's plea to review order to DVAC directing FIR in cash-for-jobs scam

The Madras High Court dismissed a review petition filed by a senior political leader and former state minister, seeking to reconsider an earlier court order that directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register a First Information Report (FIR) over an alleged cash-for-jobs scam. The case relates to the municipal administration and water supply department during an earlier government tenure, involving allegations of irregularities in appointing thousands of engineers and other staff.

The original order directing the FIR was issued on February 20, 2026, based on a communication sent to the Director General of Police by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Following the court's directives, an FIR was registered by the state on June 5, 2026. The former minister had sought a review primarily on the ground that he was not given an opportunity to be heard before the initial order was passed.

During the proceedings, the state's Advocate General stated that the previous administration had shielded the former minister, an assertion contested by counsels representing the accused. The High Court ultimately dismissed the former minister's review plea, permitted the state to withdraw its own separate review petition, and closed a related contempt of court petition that had been filed due to delays in registering the FIR.

Not yet reported: The articles do not detail the final outcomes of the police investigation or any subsequent judicial proceedings stemming from the newly registered FIR.