Chennai, July 1: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has urged the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) to initiate criminal proceedings against two alleged close associates of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, accusing them of attending Cabinet meetings and other confidential government deliberations despite holding no official position.
In a complaint submitted to the DGP, DMK Organisation Secretary R.S. Bharathi sought the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a comprehensive investigation into the alleged participation of John Arockiasamy and Vishnu Reddy in Cabinet meetings, official review meetings, and other high-level discussions chaired by the Chief Minister.
The complaint described the allegations as a serious breach of constitutional and legal safeguards. Bharathi requested that the matter be investigated under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable laws.
“The information disclosed herein prima facie reveals the unlawful communication, receipt and access to confidential government information by unauthorised private individuals, together with possible abuse of public office, criminal conspiracy and other offences requiring immediate criminal investigation,” the complaint stated.
According to the complaint, the Chief Minister, by virtue of the oath of office and secrecy prescribed under Article 164(3) of the Constitution and the Third Schedule, is under a continuing legal obligation to preserve the confidentiality of Cabinet proceedings and other sensitive government business.
Bharathi contended that if the allegations are substantiated, they would constitute violations of constitutional obligations, statutory duties, and criminal law, warranting immediate police intervention.
The complaint further alleged that Arockiasamy and Reddy, whom the DMK described as close associates of the Chief Minister and residents of Andhra Pradesh, had been present during Cabinet meetings, official review sessions, and other confidential deliberations held at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat.
The DMK has urged the police to determine how the two individuals allegedly gained access to restricted government meetings, whether confidential information was shared with them, and whether any public officials facilitated their participation in violation of established procedures.
The party also called for action against all individuals found responsible for any breach of confidentiality or misuse of official authority, stating that the allegations raise issues of significant constitutional importance and public interest.
No official response from the Chief Minister’s Office or the Tamil Nadu government was available at the time of filing this report.
