A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking a First Information Report (FIR) and a money laundering investigation against Tamil Nadu Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, E.V. Velu, and television channel owner Vijay, concerning a 2015 income tax dispute.
The petitioner, advocate V. Vasanthakumar, alleges that Vijay evaded income tax by falsely claiming agricultural income and that Minister Velu aided this evasion. The core of the dispute revolves around a ₹60 crore income tax assessment order issued against Vijay in 2015. Vijay allegedly claimed a significant portion of his income as agricultural income, which enjoys tax exemptions, but the Income Tax Department determined this claim was unsubstantiated.
The petition claims that Vijay transferred funds to shell companies and utilized a network of individuals to create false documentation supporting the agricultural income claim. It further alleges that Minister Velu facilitated this by influencing tax officials and providing support to Vijay.
The petitioner points to discrepancies in Vijay’s income tax returns and bank statements, suggesting a deliberate attempt to conceal his actual income. He argues that the Income Tax Department’s investigation was insufficient and that a thorough probe, including a money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), is necessary.
The PIL requests the court to direct the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to register a case under the PMLA and investigate the alleged money laundering activities. It also seeks a direction to the police to register an FIR against both Vijay and Minister Velu based on the evidence presented.
The court has issued notice to the respondents, including Vijay, Minister Velu, the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, and the ED, seeking their responses to the allegations. The case is expected to be heard further in the coming weeks. The petitioner asserts that the alleged actions constitute a serious offense and warrant a comprehensive investigation to protect public revenue and uphold the rule of law.
