SK Law House Legal Articles

CASE DETAILS AT A GLANCE
Case Title: Review Application & Contempt Petition concerning DVAC Cash-for-Jobs Investigation
Court Name: High Court of Judicature at Madras (First Division Bench)
Coram / Judges: Hon'ble Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Hon'ble Mr. Justice G. Arul Murugan
Order Date: 26.10.2026

1. Executive Summary

Clearing the path for investigation into alleged recruitment irregularities in the Municipal Administration Department, the First Division Bench of the Madras High Court dismissed the review application filed by former Minister K.N. Nehru seeking recall of its February 20, 2026 direction to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register an FIR, and simultaneously closed the pending contempt petition.

2. Dismissal of Review & Closure of Contempt

The contempt petition had been instituted by an AIADMK Member of Parliament alleging wilful disobedience under Section 11 of the Contempt of Courts Act over initial delays by the DVAC in registering the case. Meanwhile, K.N. Nehru sought review of the February 20 order directing FIR registration.

During the hearing, the Advocate General and State Public Prosecutor placed on record that the DVAC had formally registered the First Information Report pursuant to the High Court's directions and assured the Bench that investigation would proceed expeditiously without delay.

3. Key Legal Takeaway

Finding no error apparent on the face of the record to warrant review, the First Bench dismissed the review application. Recording the State's compliance through actual registration of the FIR, the Bench held that punitive contempt orders were unnecessary and closed the contempt proceedings.

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