Former DMK minister, son seek anticipatory bail in mining case

Justice V. Lakshminarayanan of the Madras High Court has granted the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) until October 13, 2026, to submit its written objections to the anticipatory bail applications filed by Velu and Kumaran in the ongoing investigation into unauthorised mining activities.

The former DMK minister and his son have approached the court seeking protection from arrest as the anti-corruption agency pursues its probe into allegations of illegal mining operations on lake beds. The anticipatory bail plea is a precautionary legal measure typically filed when individuals fear imminent arrest in a criminal matter.

The case pertains to mining activities allegedly carried out in violation of environmental regulations and state mining policies. The DVAC's investigation has been examining the extent of unauthorised extraction and the alleged involvement of various parties in the scheme.

The court's decision to allow the DVAC a fortnight to file its counter-arguments suggests the proceedings are still in preliminary stages, with the bail decision likely to hinge on the watchdog's formal response. The next hearing will determine whether the court grants or rejects the anticipatory bail plea based on submissions from both sides.