Can't quash probe into suppression of assets in affidavit, Madras HC tells EPS

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Wednesday dismissed a criminal revision petition filed by former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami seeking to set aside the trial court order directing the Crime Branch Police to inquire into the charge of him suppressing information about his wealth in his 2021 election affidavit.

Justice P Velmurugan refused to set aside the order of the judicial magistrate court, Salem, which directed the prosecution to probe the case alleged against the Leader of the Opposition and directed him to cooperate with the prosecution for effective investigation.

P Milany, a resident of Palanichettipatti, Theni approached the judicial magistrate court, Salem, alleging that Palaniswami did not disclose full information regarding his wealth, including movable and immovable properties, in the affidavit filed during the 2021 assembly election.

After hearing the case, the court in April 2023 directed the prosecution Crime Branch, Salem under section 156 (3) of CrPC to investigate the case in a fair manner and register the case if prima facie found.

On May 4, 2023, the Crime Branch registered the case against EPS. Aggrieved by the order of the trial court Palaniswami moved the High Court.