The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to move a formal order that would close the corruption case stemming from a 2022 suo motu FIR filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti‑Corruption (DVAC). The case concerns alleged irregularities in the issuance of an “essentiality certificate” to Vels Medical College, a private institution linked to educationist Ishari K. Ganesh, while C. Vijayabaskar was serving as health minister.
The DVAC’s 2022 FIR accused Vijayabaskar and Ganesh of colluding to secure the certificate, which would allow the college to receive government subsidies and operate under special regulatory provisions. The investigation was reportedly closed in 2024, but the filing of a closure order remained pending.
In a hearing on Thursday, a bench of Justices M. R. Kumar and K. S. Radhakrishnan asked the state’s law department to submit the order formally shutting down the case, noting that the closure had already been effected administratively. The court did not comment on the merits of the allegations, focusing instead on procedural compliance.
The decision follows a series of high‑profile inquiries into the issuance of essentiality certificates in Tamil Nadu, a process that has drawn scrutiny for potential favoritism toward private medical colleges. Critics have argued that such certificates can enable institutions to bypass certain regulatory hurdles and qualify for public funds, raising concerns about transparency and equitable access to medical education.
Legal analysts observe that the court’s directive underscores the importance of completing procedural steps even after an investigation is concluded. “Closing a case without a formal order can create ambiguity and may be perceived as a lack of accountability,” said a senior advocate familiar with the matter, who asked to remain anonymous.
The state government has not yet responded to the court’s order.
Analysis:
The High Court’s intervention appears procedural rather than substantive, aiming to ensure that the administrative closure of the DVAC probe is officially recorded. While the closure may signal that the authorities found insufficient evidence to pursue charges, it does not preclude future scrutiny, especially given ongoing debates about the essentiality‑certificate framework in the state. Observers note that the case highlights broader issues of regulatory capture, where influential individuals may leverage political connections to benefit private educational enterprises. Continued monitoring of how Tamil Nadu implements and audits essentiality certificates will be essential to assess whether systemic reforms are needed.
Sources
The Hindu, “Madras HC calls for order closing corruption case against former minister C. Vijayabaskar, educationist Ishari K. Ganesh,” https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/madras-hc-calls-for-order-closing-corruption-case-against-former-minister-c-vijayabaskar-educationist-ishari-k-ganesh/article71185089.ece.
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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