Madras HC PIL Seeks FIR Against TN Finance Minister Over Assembly Remarks on Alleged Bribery

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Madras High Court seeking directions to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register an FIR against Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson over remarks made in the Assembly concerning alleged bribery in the School Education Department.

The petition was filed by Chennai-based advocate K. Sivasubramaniam, who has contended that the Minister’s statements warranted an investigation, arguing that giving a bribe to a public servant could also constitute an offence under the law.

The PIL is expected to come up before the First Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan.

The petition relates to remarks allegedly made by Wilson during an Assembly debate on August 24, 2026. According to the petitioner, the Minister said he had witnessed corruption during the previous administration and alleged that educational institutions had been compelled to pay bribes.

Sivasubramaniam further claimed that Wilson had acknowledged witnessing a bribe payment and knowing the amount involved. Citing Sections 8 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, he argued that the statements warranted an investigation into the alleged transaction and the Minister’s role, if any.

The advocate said he had submitted a complaint to the DVAC on August 27 seeking registration of an FIR but alleged that the agency had not acted on it, prompting him to approach the High Court.

In his affidavit, Sivasubramaniam argued that a statement made by a Minister in the Assembly regarding an alleged criminal act could not be dismissed merely as political rhetoric. He also contended that the protection under Article 194(2) of the Constitution would not bar an investigation into an alleged offence committed outside the House.

The petitioner maintained that the alleged bribe payment occurred outside the legislative premises and should therefore be examined independently of legislative privileges.

He also referred to subsequent allegations by former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi concerning alleged irregularities involving Wilson’s educational institutions and urged the DVAC to examine those claims as well.

The allegations, as well as the petitioner’s interpretation of the Minister’s Assembly remarks, are yet to be examined by the court.