SC upholds CBI probe in ‘transformer tender anomalies’ during Senthil Balaji’s tenure
Apex court refuses to interfere with Madras HC order transferring the TANGEDCO transformer tender case to the CBI; says probe must remain uninfluenced by earlier observations
The Supreme Court on Monday (May 11) declined to interfere with the Madras High Court’s order transferring the investigation into alleged irregularities in transformer tenders awarded during the tenure of former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji to the CBI.
The apex court was hearing multiple appeals challenging the High Court’s direction, including one filed by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO).
During the proceedings, TANGEDCO chose to withdraw its appeal against the High Court order. The Supreme Court also dismissed a separate appeal filed by V Kasi in connection with the same matter.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, hearing the matter, refused to stay the High Court’s direction for a CBI inquiry, according to a LiveLaw report.
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During the hearing, Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for Kasi, an official of the TANGEDCO, argued that there was no specific prayer before the High Court seeking a CBI investigation and contended that the proceedings were politically motivated. The TANGEDCO chairperson also filed a similar petition, which was withdrawn.
“There was no prayer for CBI inquiry before the High Court. It’s a politically motivated case,” Dave submitted. Justice Nath, however, remarked that a court was empowered to direct such an investigation if the circumstances warranted it. “We don't need a prayer. It depends upon how the court feels,” the Bench observed.
Declining to entertain the special leave petition, the court said: “We are not inclined to entertain the SLP.” At the same time, the Bench clarified that the investigation should proceed independently and not be influenced by any observations made by the High Court in its order directing the probe.
The appeals challenged the Madras High Court’s April 2026 order in relation to the transformer tenders during the tenure of Senthil Balaji as the Minister for Electricity and Prohibition and Excise from 2021 to 2023.