Supreme Court Refuses to Interfere with Madras High Court Order on CBI Probe in Purchase of Transformers in Tamil Nadu
The court said the investigation can proceed independently after finding the state’s handling of the case lacked fairness and public confidence.
- On Monday, the Supreme Court dismissed appeals challenging a Madras High Court order directing a CBI probe into an alleged ₹397-crore scam involving transformer procurement by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited during V. Senthil Balaji's tenure as Electricity Minister.
- The Madras High Court previously transferred the probe from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption to the CBI, citing 'unfairness' that failed to inspire public confidence in investigating 45,000 distribution transformers.
- Petitioners including the NGO Arappor Iyakkam and AIADMK members alleged significant financial losses during 2021–2023, citing unexplained delays in official approvals that undermined the inquiry's integrity.
- Balaji maintained that 'same procedures were followed till now' since 1987, though the Supreme Court clarified its authority to direct independent investigations regardless of specific prayers from litigants.
- The High Court ordered the CBI to conclude the investigation expeditiously, requiring the TANGEDCO and DVAC to extend full cooperation to the central agency during proceedings.
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11 Articles
Supreme Court rejects pleas against Madras HC order on CBI probe into purchase of transformers under ex-minister Balaji
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta refused to entertain the appeals challenging the April 29, 2026 High Court order transferring the probe from the TN Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to the CBI.
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dtnext.inSC refuses to interfere with Madras HC order on CBI probe in purchase of transformers in TN
In a setback to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to interfere with a Madras High Court order directing a CBI probe into an alleged Rs 397-crore scam in the procurement of transformers during his tenure as the state's electricity minister between 2021 and 2023.
TANGEDCO Moves Supreme Court Against CBI Probe In ₹397 Crore Transformer Scam; BJP Leader Annamalai Urges TVK Govt To Withdraw Appeal
The Supreme Court on Monday, 11 May 2026, heard appeals filed by Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) and its former Finance Controller V. Kasi against the Madras High Court order directing a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged ₹397-crore transformer procurement scam linked to the tenure of former Electricity Minister V. Senthilbalaji. The matter was listed before Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep…
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