Chennai: Tensions flared in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday as AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition, K. Palaniswami (EPS), led a walkout of party MLAs. The protest was triggered by Speaker M. Appavu’s refusal to allow a discussion during Zero Hour on a matter EPS deemed crucial to public interest. The Speaker maintained that the topic was sub judice and thus barred from Assembly debate.
However, Palaniswami, addressing reporters outside the House, claimed he sought to question the State Government over TASMAC’s recent legal maneuvering involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
According to EPS, TASMAC — the State-run liquor retail chain — had moved the Supreme Court seeking a transfer of ED-related cases away from the Madras High Court to another High Court in the country.
He alleged that this move raises serious concerns about transparency and the State Government’s intentions.
“The ED conducted raids on liquor distilleries supplying to TASMAC and unearthed suspected financial irregularities amounting to Rs 1,000 crore,” Palaniswami said.
“Following this, TASMAC filed multiple cases, including one challenging the ED’s actions and another claiming its staff were mistreated. They even sought an order from the Madras High Court to prevent further action by the ED.”
He further explained that after a two-judge bench of the Madras High Court recused itself from the matter, a new bench was constituted by the Chief Justice. (IANS)
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