The Madras High Court has directed the State Government and its administration to examine the need for establishing more exclusive Special Courts to try corruption cases, after noting that 2,423 Prevention of Corruption Act cases were pending across Tamil Nadu as of June 30, 2026.
Justice B. Pugalendhi issued the directions while hearing a petition seeking speedy disposal of a corruption case pending before the Principal District and Sessions Court, Thoothukudi. The Court noted that exclusive Special Courts were functioning in only eight districts, while cases in the remaining 30 districts were being handled by Principal District and Sessions Judges alongside their regular judicial work.
The Court observed that the statutory requirement under Section 4(4) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for day-to-day hearings and an endeavour to conclude trials within two years could not be achieved merely by directing trial courts to expedite proceedings. Adequate judicial infrastructure, staff and prosecuting personnel were also necessary. The Court observed:
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“The pendency of 2,423 cases throughout the State, as on 30.06.2026, cannot be viewed as an ordinary workload to be dealt with as an additional responsibility by the Principal District and Sessions Judges. The trials under the Prevention of Corruption Act are governed by a specific statutory mandate requiring day-to-day hearing, as far as practicable, and an endeavour to conclude the trial within the prescribed period. The very purpose of such a mandate would be defeated if the Courts entrusted with these cases are unable to devote the requisite time and attention to them on account of their other judicial and administrative responsibilities.”
The Court directed the Registrar General to follow up on the proposal to designate Additional Sessions Courts as Special Courts under the Act. It also asked the State Government, in consultation with the High Court, to examine the need for exclusive Special Courts in districts where they are not currently functioning.
The Court further directed the State to provide necessary infrastructure and staff, and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption to ensure adequate prosecuting personnel. Trial courts dealing with corruption cases were asked to prioritise them and endeavour to conduct day-to-day hearings.
In the individual case, the Court noted that charges had been framed in 2023 but only two witnesses had been examined. It directed the Thoothukudi trial court to make every endeavour to conclude the trial within six months, without unnecessary adjournments, subject to cooperation by the parties.
