CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Supreme Court of India has temporarily halted the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) investigation into the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). This suspension follows concerns that the ED might be exceeding its authority and encroaching upon the federal balance of governance. The court questioned the appropriateness of pursuing legal action against a corporation rather than individual officials. This case highlights ongoing issues related to corruption and financial irregularities within TASMAC, which manages approximately 7,000 liquor outlets across Tamil Nadu.
Overview Of TASMAC
TASMAC is a state-owned corporation responsible for the regulated retail sale of alcohol in Tamil Nadu. Set up to control liquor distribution and generate state revenue, the corporation’s monopoly has drawn scrutiny over its transparency and accountability.
Enforcement Directorate’s Probe
The ED launched its investigation based on multiple FIRs filed by the Tamil Nadu Vigilance Department, alleging financial misconduct involving TASMAC. The allegations include bribery, overcharging of consumers, and other corrupt practices involving officials. The ED claims to have uncovered fraudulent activities worth around Rs 1,000 crore, implicating several political figures.
Corruption Charges
Allegations against TASMAC include kickbacks paid to officials by distilleries and irregularities in tendering processes. Reports suggest that officials manipulated contracts for transport and bar licenses to benefit certain companies. Evidence also indicates tenders were awarded to applicants lacking proper documentation, raising serious doubts about the procurement procedures.
Findings By ED
The investigation exposed manipulation in the allocation of tenders, discrepancies in KYC documentation, and instances where tenders were won by sole bidders. The ED also found evidence of collusion between distilleries and bottling firms, resulting in inflated costs and fictitious purchases. These activities are said to have generated over Rs 1,000 crore in unaccounted funds.
Political Implications
The probe takes place amid political tensions in Tamil Nadu ahead of the Assembly elections. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has accused the central government of interfering to destabilize the state. Critics argue that the ED’s investigation is politically motivated, deepening the conflict between the ruling DMK and the opposition BJP.
Federal Structure Concerns
The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the sensitive nature of the balance between state and central powers. By pausing the ED’s inquiry, the court has brought attention to the limits of central agency jurisdiction over state-controlled entities. This ruling may influence how similar cases involving state corporations are handled in the future.
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