The DMK is seeking an FIR over the alleged involvement of private individuals in government proceedings

Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay. | Photo Credit: X/@TNDIPRNEWS via ANI

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has urged the Director General of Police (DGP) to immediately register a First Information Report (FIR) and order an inquiry into the alleged participation of so-called “two private persons”, John Arockiasamy and Vishnu Reddy, in Cabinet meetings, official review meetings and other confidential government meetings presided over by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vija Vijay.

In a complaint to the DGP, DMK organizational secretary RS Bharathi sought registration of an FIR and investigation into the alleged commission of cognizable offenses under Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and 23 other applicable laws (BNS.

“The information disclosed here prima facie reveals the illegal communication, receipt and access of confidential government information by unauthorized private individuals along with possible abuse of public office, criminal conspiracy and other offenses requiring immediate criminal investigation,” Mr Bharathi said.

He said the Chief Minister is constitutionally bound by oath and secrecy under Article 164(3) as read in the Third Schedule of the Constitution and has an ongoing legal duty to maintain the confidentiality of government proceedings and other sensitive government matters.

“The allegations of the involvement of these two individuals raise serious issues regarding violations of constitutional duties, statutory duties and criminal law,” he said.

According to the complaint, Mr Arockiasamy and Mr Reddy, described as “close associates of the Chief Minister and the people of Andhra Pradesh”, regularly attended Cabinet meetings, official review meetings and other high-level government meetings held at the Secretariat.

Mr. Bharathi further alleged that they were allotted offices which are adjacent to the Chief Minister’s office within the Secretariat.

“The central issue requiring investigation is whether Mr. John Arockiasamy and Mr. Vishnu Reddy are government officials or otherwise hold any office or authority recognized by law, executive order or business rules of Tamil Nadu that entitles them to participate in confidential government proceedings or access classified government information,” he said.

He argued that if they had no such legal authority, their presence at Cabinet meetings or confidential review meetings where government documents, classified records, official files and sensitive political matters were discussed prima facie revealed serious criminal offenses relating to the unauthorized disclosure, receipt, possession and use of official information by them and all those who knowingly allowed such access.

Mr. Bharathi further said that if confidential government documents or other protected government information were knowingly disclosed to unauthorized persons, any individual responsible for such disclosure, receipt or use could be held liable under the Official Secrets Act and other relevant criminal laws.

Published – 30 Jun 2026 19:37 IST