M.Madhavan v. The Director

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 01.06.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN WP.Crl.No.1100 of 2026 1.M.Madhavan 2.T. Ravi 3.S. Ezhilarasan 4.S. Dhineshkumar 5.S. Nabiyullah 6.T. Ajas Ahamed ... Petitioners Vs.

1.The Director, Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, DVAC Head Quarters, No.293 MKN Road, Alandur, Chennai-600 016.

2.The Cell Officer, Vellore Collectorate, Vellore District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, Tirupattur District.

... Respondents Prayer:

Writ Petition(Crl.) filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of MANDAMUS directing the respondents to refund the money seized unlawfully from the petitioners on 15-102025 with interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum and further direct the respondents to pay adequate compensation to the petitioners as this Court may deem fit and proper.

For Petitioners : Mr.K.Elango

For Respondents : Mr.R.Ganesh Kumar, Counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side)

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed seeking direction to respondents to refund the money seized from the petitioners on 15.10.2025 with interest. 2.

The petitioners had visited the Sub Registrar Office, Jolarpet, Vellore District on 15.10.2025 for several purposes. On that day, the third respondent made surprise visit and had seized money from the petitioners as follows:

1st petitioner - Rs.10,060/- 2nd petitioner - Rs.20,000/- 3rd petitioner - Rs.1,200/- 4th petitioner - Rs.9,700/- 5th petitioner - Rs.7,050/- 6th petitioner - Rs.7,200/- 3.

After seizure of money, the third respondent conducted enquiry, in which the petitioners failed to explain the reason why they brought money to the registrar office. Therefore, the petitioners were not

given their money back which were seized by the third respondent. However, some of the other accused from whom the third respondent seized money were given their money back after conducting enquiry and after accepting their explanation. Thereafter, the third respondent submitted detailed report before Inspector General of Registration, Chennai and they are awaiting explanation from the concerned Registrar Office.

4.

The learned counsel for the petitioners would submit that they visited the Sub Registrar Office, Jolarpet for various purposes such as collecting encumbrance certificates and for signing documents as witnesses. He further submitted that the petitioners used to carry money for providing lunch or dinner to the vendors while selling their properties. Further, the next day i.e. 16.10.2025 was deepavali and only to purchase things for their employees they carried money to the Registrar Office. 5.

On perusal of the reports submitted by the third respondent as well as on the submissions of the counsel appearing on either side, it is revealed that some of the persons were returned money after being satisfied over their explanation. However, as far as the petitioners are concerned, they failed to explain as to why they carried money to the

Registrar Office. Therefore, the petitioners were not given their money back and detailed report was submitted before the Inspector General of Registration.

6.

In view of the above, the Inspector General of Registration, Chennai is directed to submit report to the third respondent for the purpose of initiating further proceedings within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of this order. On receipt of the said report from the Inspector General of Registration, Chennai, the third respondent is directed to proceed further, if any incriminating evidence is available against the petitioners, within a period of two weeks thereafter. If no incriminating evidence is available to proceed further against the petitioners, the third respondent is directed to return the money to the petitioners forthwith.

7.

With the above directions, this writ petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

01.06.2026 Index : Yes/No (2/2) : Yes/No Speaking/non-speaking order lok

To 1.The Director, Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, DVAC Head Quarters, No.293 MKN Road, Alandur, Chennai-600 016.

2.The Cell Officer, Vellore Collectorate, Vellore District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, Tirupattur District 4.Inspector General of Registration, Chennai 5.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

lok WP . Crl.

No.

of 202 01.06.2026 (2/2)