Key Facts
The Madras High Court on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) questioned the need for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged corrupt practices behind the resignation of four AIADMK MLAs who joined the TVK within minutes. The First Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan, observed that a CBI probe cannot be ordered without prima facie material to suspect foul play.
Details of the Case
The writ petition was filed by B. Ramkumar Adityan, an advocate from Tiruchendur, who sought a CBI investigation into the resignations. The four former MLAs—Maragatham Kumaravel (Madurantakam), S. Jayakumar (Perundurai), P. Sathyabama (Dharapuram), and E. Subaya alias Esakki Subaya (Ambasamudram)—resigned on May 25 and 26, 2026, and joined the TVK immediately after.
The court noted that the petitioner failed to produce basic materials to support the allegations of corruption. In response, the petitioner's counsel argued that his client was unable to collect material evidence, which is why he sought a CBI probe. The bench, not convinced, decided to pass detailed orders later in the day.
Background: Trust Vote and Defiance
The four MLAs were part of a larger group of 25 AIADMK MLAs who defied the party whip and voted in favour of the TVK government during a trust vote on the floor of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on May 13, 2026. A plea to initiate disqualification proceedings against them is pending before Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar.
Petitioner's Allegations
In his affidavit, Adityan alleged that the resignations and swift joining of TVK amounted to horse-trading. He stated, "When viewed in the context of the events that unfolded... it becomes abundantly clear that the 11 Respondent Party/TVK is engaging in horse-trading in an attempt to increase its tally of legislative members... This constitutes a murder of democracy." He also lamented the unnecessary expenditure on bye-elections for the four constituencies.
Respondents in the Case
The petitioner has made the general secretaries of AIADMK and TVK as respondents, along with the four former MLAs in their individual capacities. Senior Ministers 'Bussy' Anand alias N. Anand and Aadhav Arjuna have also been impleaded as parties in their individual capacities.
FAQ
Why did the Madras High Court question the CBI probe?
The court said a CBI probe cannot be ordered without prima facie material to suspect foul play, and the petitioner failed to provide basic evidence.
What did the petitioner allege?
The petitioner alleged that the four MLAs resigned and joined TVK as part of horse-trading, calling it a 'murder of democracy'.
How many MLAs resigned and when?
Four AIADMK MLAs resigned on May 25 and 26, 2026, and joined TVK within minutes of their resignations.
What was the context of the resignations?
The MLAs were among 25 AIADMK MLAs who defied the party whip and voted in favour of the TVK government during a trust vote on May 13, 2026.