Madras High Court Directs Crime Branch to Respond to Ex-Minister Ambils Bail Petition

Chennai, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : The Madras High Court has ordered the Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) to respond to the bail petition filed by former minister Ambil Mahesh in connection with a ₹400 crore scam involving private schools.

Ambil Mahesh was arrested by the CCB on October 26, facing allegations that during the previous DMK government, he accepted money in exchange for granting recognition and necessary approvals to private schools. Following his arrest, a special court in Chennai placed him in judicial custody until November 18.

On November 10, the special court denied his bail request, prompting Mahesh to appeal to the Madras High Court. The case was presented before Justice V. Lakshminarayanan. Chief Public Prosecutor John Sathyan, representing the CCB, informed the court that the police intended to take former legislator Muthukumar into custody for questioning. He also noted that another accused, Saravanan, had surrendered to the court earlier that week.

The prosecutor requested additional time to file a response to Mahesh’s petition. In response, Justice Lakshminarayanan directed the police to submit their answer, postponing the hearing until November 17.

The allegations against Mahesh are linked to payments reportedly solicited in exchange for granting permanent recognition and other approvals to private schools in Tamil Nadu. The funds collected form the basis of the bribery charges against the former minister. Following the rejection of his bail plea by a special court handling corruption cases, Mahesh sought relief from the High Court, requesting to be released from custody while the criminal proceedings continue.

Senior advocate P. Wilson, representing Mahesh, highlighted the bail petition before Justice Lakshminarayanan and requested an expedited hearing. The judge indicated that if all necessary procedures were completed, the petition could be heard on Thursday.