Supreme Court issues notice to Tamil Nadu government in Palani Math land fraud case

The Supreme Court on Monday, 2 November, 2026, has issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu State Government in connection with the bail applications of the accused in a case involving the alleged fraudulent registration of Palani Math land. In this case, the Madras High Court's Madurai Bench had rejected the bail application of the accused K. Velthurai on 31 August, 2026, which he has challenged by filing a petition in the Supreme Court.

The bench, headed by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, has also issued a notice to the accused K. Velthurai on an intervention application filed by the State Government. This case pertains to the illegal sale of 1.40 acre of Dhanapani Swamy Math land located in Palani.

Earlier, on 25 September, 2026, the Supreme Court had adjourned the hearing on Velthurai's bail application. At that time, the Court noted that the investigation is still ongoing and since this Special Leave Petition is pending, there will be no hindrance to the State Government's investigation process.

In August 2026, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had rejected the bail applications of four accused in this case. These four accused include suspended Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan Subramaniam, land seller D. Murugadas, and K. Velthurai and D. Sethupathi as land purchasers.

The investigation in this fraud case is being conducted by the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID). In July 2026, the CB-CID arrested D. Murugadas, K. Velthurai, D. Sethupathi, and S. Anwardeen, who is alleged to have assisted in the solution. Subsequently, in August 2026, Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan Subramaniam and document writer Jayaprakash were also arrested.

Claiming his innocence, accused K. Velthurai stated that he is a genuine purchaser and had no reason to be involved in such a land transaction to enrich himself. The investigation into the alleged illegal sale of 1.40 acre of Palani Math land is ongoing in this case.

The background of this case includes legal proceedings against allegations of land fraud involving Dhanapani Swamy Math land in Palani, which include charges of criminal conspiracy against government officials and private individuals.

(Note: This news is based on the recent decision of the Supreme Court regarding the Palani Math land fraud case.)