On Thursday, the Supreme Court temporarily halted the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation and raids concerning Tasmac (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation), the state-run liquor entity in Tamil Nadu.
The Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, expressed strong opinions regarding the central agency, deeming the actions of the ED as excessive and potentially unconstitutional, since law and order fall under state jurisdiction.
Chief Justice Gavai delivered strong remarks, stating that the ED was exceeding all limits and breaching the federal framework by focusing on a state-run corporation.
The directive follows the Tamil Nadu government’s appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the Madras High Court’s ruling on Tuesday (May 20). This appeal came after the Madras High Court’s ruling on April 23, which permitted the ED investigation to continue.
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ED alleges Rs 1,000 crore liquor scam in Tamil Nadu
The ED claims there is a Rs 1,000 crore liquor scam in Tamil Nadu, involving distilleries providing unreported cash to obtain liquor supply contracts.
However, Tamil Nadu informed the Supreme Court that it had, through the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, already lodged 41 FIRs from 2014 to 2021 against individual outlet operators.
The Tamil Nadu government lodged a case in the Supreme Court concerning ED raids on Tasmac, claiming it exceeded the central agency’s authority and breached the Constitution. Tamil Nadu similarly accused the ED of political revenge and claimed that the searches were unlawful.
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ED acting without valid ‘predicate offence’, alleges TN
The Tamil Nadu government and Tasmac contended that the ED was overstepping its authority and performing “roving and fishing inquiries” without adequate evidence or a definitive “predicate offence”.
The state also asserted that Tasmac officials and employees, including female staff, experienced harassment and were held for extended durations during the searches, with their phones and personal devices confiscated, infringing upon their privacy and basic rights.
The DMK-led state government alleged that the BJP-led central government is abusing central investigative powers.
agencies such as the ED for political objectives and to damage the state’s reputation, particularly considering the impending elections.
The Tamil Nadu government and Tasmac originally contested the ED raids in the Madras High Court, which were dismissed, leading to an appeal to the Supreme Court.
