Only Governor, not government can grant sanction to conduct investigation against me in ₹100-crore fraud case, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi claims before Madras High Court

Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has contended before the Madras High Court that a First Information Report (FIR) registered against him by the Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) police, in the over ₹100 crore fraud case, was not sustainable since the sanction had been obtained from the State government and not the Governor.

In his FIR quash plea, the former Minister contended only the Governor was the competent authority to grant sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 before the police could commence investigation into any alleged offence by a public servant in discharge of official functions or duties.