According to the petition filed by M Gnanasoundari, the Tamil Nadu Law Department issued an advertisement on 5 June 2026 inviting applications for the posts of government advocate in Villupuram district. The petitioner states that she submitted her application for the post of special public prosecutor for the Mahila Court on 22 June 2026 and for the post of additional public prosecutor for the Principal and Sub Court on 29 June 2026. She asserts that she deposited six copies of her biodata and supporting documents at the office of the Villupuram District Collector on the respective dates, but no acknowledgement was issued to her.
Allegations of Premature Finalisation
The petitioner contends that, despite the application deadline being fixed at 5.45 pm on 29 June 2026, a list of selected candidates was circulated in various WhatsApp groups at 12.11 pm on the same day. She argues that this premature dissemination indicates that the selection had been concluded before the stipulated deadline, thereby contravening the terms of the notification. Gnanasoundari further alleges that when she approached the TVK Villupuram district secretary, N Mohanraj, regarding the circulated list, she was informed that it represented the final selection.
Claims of Bribery and Political Influence
The pleading asserts that advocates allegedly affiliated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam were chosen without observing the procedure prescribed by law. It is claimed that the selection process involved the collection of sums ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹30 lakh for each post, allegedly in collusion with government officials. The petitioner maintains that these payments constitute bribery and render the appointment unlawful.
Parties Impleaded and Relief Sought
Gnanasoundari has impleaded the Tamil Nadu Law Department, the Villupuram District Collector, the president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu C Joseph Vijay, the party’s general secretary N Anandh, and the Villupuram district secretary N Mohanraj as respondents. She has sought a direction from the court to afford her an opportunity to participate in the selection process. Additionally, she has prayed for an interim injunction restraining the Law Department and the District Collector from taking any further steps pursuant to the notification until the court decides on the matter.
Legal Representation
The petition was prepared and filed by advocates A Rameshmanikandan and R Ananthalakshmi on behalf of the petitioner. The matter is presently pending before the Madras High Court for adjudication.
Implications of the Allegations
If the allegations of premature list circulation and financial inducements are substantiated, they would raise serious concerns about the integrity of the statutory mechanism for appointing government advocates. The case underscores the importance of adherence to prescribed timelines and transparency in public recruitment processes, particularly when the appointments involve prosecutorial functions that bear direct implications for the administration of justice.