Court Expects Welfare Authorities to Respond to DVAC’s Letter Within Three Months

The petitioner sought a direction to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to register an FIR against respondents 6 and 7 under Section 13(1)(b) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and to direct departmental proceedings against them for alleged breaches of Rules 6 and 7 of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1973.

The petition followed the petitioner’s representation dated 1 July 2026, which he said had not prompted action.

The State informed the Court that, in accordance with the DVAC manual, it had written to the appropriate authorities seeking action and produced copies of those letters.

1. Whether the Court should direct the DVAC to register an FIR and conduct an investigation on the basis of the petitioner’s representation.

2. Whether the Court should direct the relevant authorities to initiate departmental proceedings against respondents 6 and 7.

The petition invoked Article 226 of the Constitution of India, Section 13(1)(b) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Rules 6 and 7 of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1973.

The Court did not set out or apply a substantive legal test under these provisions, and it cited no precedent.

The Court noted the State’s submission that the DVAC had written to the appropriate authorities under its manual and that copies of the letters had been provided to the petitioner.

Rather than determine whether the allegations warranted an FIR or departmental proceedings, the Court recorded its expectation that respondents 4 and 5 would respond to the DVAC’s letter within three months.

It did not direct registration of an FIR or initiation of departmental proceedings, and it made no determination on the merits of the allegations.