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The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the ongoing investigation undertaken by the ED (Directorate of Enforcement) against TASMAC, a state-owned organisation that oversees the selling of liquor in Tamil Nadu.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai also notified the ED and remarked that the federal agency is crossing all limits. "ED is crossing all limits. It (ED's probe) can be against individuals. It can't be against organisations", the CJI said during the hearing. The top court's decision came on an appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government against the Madras High Court's decision to dismiss its plea, which had challenged the raids conducted by the ED at various premises owned by TASMAC in connection with an alleged Rs 1000 crores scam. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for State of Tamil Nadu appearing for the State, submitted that the State itself had registered 41 FIRs against liquor outlet operators between 2014 and 2021 over allegations of corruption. Further, he stated that it was only in 2025 that the Enforcement Directorate entered the scene, conducting raids at the TASMAC Headquarters and seizing the phones and electronic devices of several officials. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi appearing for TASMAC submitted that taking away of phones of the organisations' officials is a violation of their privacy. Sibal, also urged the court to restrict ED from using data that they have taken from phones. During the hearing, the top-court questioned Additional Solicitor General of India SV Raju, who appeared for ED, against the federal agency's conduct with regard to the case. After hearing the counsels briefly, the Court issued notice to the ED in Tamil Nadu's plea and stayed the probe. (ANI)
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