Chennai
oi-Swastika Sruti
The Rs 100 crore Palani Murugan temple land scam investigation has taken a new turn after a suspended sub-registrar claimed that he was being made a ‘scapegoat’ in the case.
Regarding the Rs 100 crore Palani Murugan temple land scam, a suspended sub-registrar claims he’s a scapegoat, while the Madras High Court has granted him conditional bail and questioned the selective investigation, urging scrutiny of all involved officials.
The case came up in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court during the anticipatory bail hearing of Justin Manikandan, who was serving as the interim Sub-Registrar of Kodaikanal. After hearing from both sides, the court granted him conditional anticipatory bail.
The hearing brought the alleged role of another registration official into focus, with the court questioning why action had reportedly been taken against only one officer.
Suspended Official Claims He Was Made a Scapegoat
Attending on behalf of Justin Manikandan, the defence counsel that the client was not the official who at first registered the property at the centre of the alleged Rs 100 crore scam. The defence – another Sub-Registrar – Balachander, had already handled the registration process on July 3.
According to the legal representation by Manikandan, the state government was purposely shielding the other officer and making his client a scapegoat. It is stated that Manikandan had been given alternative duty only on July 6, but he is being held responsible for the whole affair.
Tamil Nadu Government Rejects Allegations
The Tamil Nadu government has rejected the claims made by Manikandan’s counsel. Based on the government counsel- Balachander had only started the initial online documentation process on July 3 and had not completed the registration. The state argued that it was Manikandan who later finalised the transaction on July 6.
The government also alleged that Manikandan travelled around 60 kilometres from Kodaikanal to complete the formal registration process and hence violated the departmental rules. Based on his alleged role in completing the transaction, authorities named him as a key accused in the case.
Madras High Court Questions Investigation
After hearing from both sides, the court raised questions as to why the action had apparently been taken only against Manikandan or another official who had already initiated the registration days prior. The court stated that if the irregularities in transaction at different stages were known then the investigators should examine the role of all officials involved instead of focusing on only one person.
Court Grants Conditional Anticipatory Bail
Following the argument The Bench granted conditional anticipatory bail to Justin Manikandan. As the bail is conditional, Manikandan has been directed to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The order provides temporary legal relief to the suspended official, but the investigation into the alleged land scam remains ongoing.
New Questions Emerge in Palani Temple Land Case
Now the latest angle emerges is – while investigators have accused Manikandan of playing a key role in completing the disputed registration, his defence maintains that the process had already been initiated by another official.
With the High Court questioning the alleged selective action against Manikandan, investigators may now face increased scrutiny over whether all officials connected to the transaction have been properly examined.
