Chief Justice Chandrachud cautioned the petitioner against using the forum for political purposes while refusing to entertain the petition.
The Supreme Court declined to investigate allegations of financial impropriety based on two audio clips that recently emerged online. These clips purportedly feature Tamil Nadu’s Information Technology Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan discussing the assets of Chief Minister MK Stalin’s family.
A panel of judges, presided over by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, questioned the acceptance of a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution based solely on hearsay and “some audio clip.”
The Chief Justice referred to the petition as “completely fraudulent” and emphasized that it relied on rumors. He questioned the petitioner’s lawyer, who had mentioned the expenditure of “30,000 crores” in one of the audio recordings, asking for any actionable evidence.
The Court inquired about the basis for requesting an investigation commission solely on the grounds of an audio recording and questioned its relevance under Article 32.
Ultimately, the Bench decided not to hear the case, suggesting that the petitioner has alternative legal remedies under criminal law. The Court cautioned against using the legal process for political purposes.
In April, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, led by Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai, widely circulated the audio clips. Thiaga Rajan refuted being the individual in the recordings and claimed that they are fabricated and false.
The first audio clip reportedly contains comments about the wealth amassed by Chief Minister Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin and son-in-law Sabareesan. The second recording allegedly includes remarks criticizing the structure of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party and praising the BJP’s power structure.
Following the release of the clips in May, a cabinet reshuffle occurred, resulting in Thiaga Rajan being replaced as Finance Minister and appointed as Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services.
