Madras HC directs DVAC to submit report on inspections/raids conducted in last five years

The court sought details of the amount recovered during these checks, the number of prosecutions initiated based on the checks and their status, and if any disciplinary proceedings were recommended instead of prosecution, their details and status.

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to report on the number of surprise inspections/raids it has conducted in the last five years.

Justice B. Pugalendhi sought details of the amounts recovered during these inspections, the number of prosecutions initiated on the basis of the inspections and their status, and if any disciplinary action was recommended instead of prosecution, the details thereof and their status.

The court sent the case for consideration on October 1. She said she was awaiting the government’s views on the issuance of uniform directives or ÚV prescribing the maximum amount that a civil servant can have in service.

Earlier, while hearing a number of petitions, the court said that there appears to be no common directive or GO applicable to all civil servants in the state. Therefore, this matter required discussion at the government level.

On the larger issue, the court said it is awaiting the government’s views on the guidelines available in the relevant ministries, if any, and the feasibility of issuing uniform guidelines or an OC prescribing the limit of cash a government servant can carry on duty.

“Nowadays, when almost every payment can be made through digital modes, the need to carry substantial amount of cash to the offices requires the government to look into fixing a suitable threshold limit. If such a condition is prescribed, it can curb corruption in government offices to some extent,” the court said.

The existence of a prescribed limit would also ensure that civil servants are not unnecessarily harassed. The government aims to eradicate corruption and a directive framed in this regard can enhance its aim to achieve corruption-free governance, the court said.

Published – 30 Sep 2026 21:54 IST