No searches without evidence, says Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Prabhakar

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar said on Wednesday that no search operation, whether by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, the police or any other security agency, can be carried out without evidence.

He was responding to questions about ongoing searches by a team from the Central Crime Branch of the Chennai City Police at locations linked to former DMK School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. The searches relate to a case registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act in connection with an alleged multi-crore fraud involving private schools.

Speaking about the basis for such operations, Mr. Prabhakar said his five decades in public life had convinced him that searches by any government are conducted only when there is some fundamental evidence. No action, he said, can be taken without a basis.

The Speaker was in Vaniyambadi town in Tirupattur district to pay his respects to the statue of S.S. Ramasami Padayatchiyar, the social activist and legislator, on the latter's 109th birth anniversary. Forest Minister R.V. Ranjith Kumar and Tirupattur Collector V. Nallasivan were present.

Asked about the CPI and the CPI (M) contesting bypolls in the State independently, Mr. Prabhakar said every political party has the right to take decisions based on its principles.

He also rejected the DMK's claim that he did not give the party adequate time to speak during the Budget Session. The Speaker said his intention was never to stifle anyone's voice, and that opportunities to speak were provided at the appropriate time and occasion on the floor of the Assembly.