The ongoing tussle between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the Centre escalated as the state government moved the Madras High Court against the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) summons to 10 district collectors regarding alleged irregularities in sand mining. The move signifies a fresh clash between the state and central authorities.
The state government's petitions, representing five of the collectors, aim to annul the summons, labeling them as "without jurisdiction, illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional," alleging violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and constitutional provisions.
As the legal battle unfolds, the Madras High Court is scheduled to hear the case on Monday. The petitions request an interim stay on the ED's summons and the ongoing proceedings concerning the alleged money laundering investigation.
The ED's summoning of the district collectors, senior authorities overseeing sand mining in their respective districts, triggered controversy. The state's contentions revolve around the ED's use of PMLA selectively, focusing on certain states while overlooking pending cases in others.
The Tamil Nadu government has strongly opposed the ED's interference in state affairs, citing an infringement of state powers and federal principles. It challenges the agency's alleged unchecked use of PMLA to interfere in the state's governance, expressing concerns about impinging upon the state's law and order situation.
This legal confrontation stems from the ED's extensive raids earlier this year across various locations linked to alleged illegal sand mining, discovering unaccounted cash and gold. The agency has also summoned several DMK leaders over money laundering allegations in recent months, including Vellore MP Kathir Anand, senior leader Duraimurugan's son Durai Murugan Kathir Anand, higher education minister K. Ponmudy, fisheries and animal husbandry Anitha Radakrishnan, among others.
The allegations relate to unaccounted cash found in residences and suspected tax evasion, leading to searches and investigations. The ED's actions have sparked a series of legal and political confrontations between the state and central authorities, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of the situation.
