Chennai: The Madras High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the delay in the investigation and prosecution process in the alleged ₹98.25 crore municipal tender irregularities case involving the Chennai and Coimbatore Municipal Corporations. The court has directed former Public Secretary Rita Harish Thakkar to appear before it through video conferencing, observing that keeping crucial files pending without any satisfactory explanation adversely affects the administration of justice.
The order was passed by Justice N. Anand Venkatesh while hearing a contempt petition filed by the anti-corruption organisation Arappor Iyakkam. The petition concerns alleged irregularities in the award of municipal contracts worth ₹98.25 crore during the period between 2014 and 2018, when the AIADMK government was in power.
During the hearing, the court was informed that the proposal seeking the Central Government’s sanction to prosecute two IAS officers in connection with the case had remained pending since February 27. The court noted that the file had not been forwarded for several months and that no satisfactory explanation had been provided for the delay.
Justice Venkatesh observed that since the then Public Secretary had failed to explain the delay, former Public Secretary Rita Harish Thakkar must appear before the court through video conferencing on August 3. The court also clarified that retirement from government service does not absolve an officer of accountability for administrative decisions taken during their tenure.
The High Court further directed the incumbent Public Secretary to file an affidavit explaining the reasons behind the prolonged delay in processing the prosecution sanction file and identifying the administrative factors responsible for the lapse. The court indicated that ensuring accountability within the public administration is essential for the fair and effective investigation of corruption cases.
During the proceedings, Additional Public Prosecutor Arun Anbumani informed the court that a new government had assumed office and that progress in the case was expected soon. However, the court rejected this argument, stating that a change in government should not affect judicial proceedings. It emphasised that the rule of law must prevail and that unnecessary delays in investigations or prosecution cannot be justified on administrative grounds.
Recalling the developments in the case, the court observed that the available records suggested a deliberate attempt to slow down the process of obtaining prosecution sanction from the Central Government. It remarked that prolonged delays in moving investigation-related files obstruct the judicial process and undermine efforts to ensure accountability in corruption cases. The court stressed that public officials are expected to perform their administrative responsibilities in a fair, transparent and time-bound manner.
The case relates to alleged irregularities in municipal tenders awarded by the Chennai and Coimbatore Municipal Corporations, which have been under investigation for several years. According to the petitioner, repeated delays in securing prosecution sanction have hampered the progress of the case and prevented timely legal action against the officials concerned.
The High Court has now scheduled the next hearing for August 3, directing the former Public Secretary to appear before the court and the current Public Secretary to submit the required affidavit. The court indicated that it would examine the explanations and the relevant records before deciding the next course of judicial action. It also made it clear that administrative delays in cases involving alleged corruption and public funds would be viewed seriously, reaffirming that timely action and institutional accountability are essential to uphold the rule of law.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
