HC dispenses with Stalin's appearance before probe panel

The Madras High Court today directed a Commission of Inquiry, set up to probe alleged irregularities in the construction of the new secretariat complex here during the previous DMK rule, not to proceed further in the matter against DMK Treasurer M K Stalin and then PWD Minister P Duraimuragan.
Passing interim orders on their petitions challenging the appointment of the Justice R Reghupathy Commission of Inquiry by the AIADMK government and summons issued to them by it, Justice T.S.Sivagnanam also dispensed with the personal appearance of Stalin, the then Deputy chief minister, and Duraimurugan before the Commission.
The AIADMK government, after assuming office in 2011, had appointed retired high court judge Justice Reghupathy to go into alleged irregularities in construction of the secretariat complex built at Omandurar Estate in the heart of the city.

The Commission has issued summons for personal appearance of Stalin and Duraimurugan.
The court adjourned the petitions to April 13 when a similar plea of DMK President M Karunanidhi has been listed for further hearing.
The court had earlier passed similar orders on the petition by Karunanidhi, who had also been summoned by the Commission. After he moved the high court, he was exempted from personal appearance and the Commission had sent a questionnaire.