L. Idhayavarman. File
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Madras High Court on Monday (August 3, 2026) refused to quash a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Mamallapuram police against former DMK MLA and incumbent Thiruporur Panchayat Union Chairman L. Idhayavarman for having allegedly caused damage to public property at the Nemmeli seawater desalination plant just before Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s visit on July 6, 2026.
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan dismissed the FIR quash plea and directed the police to complete the investigation and file the final report within four weeks. The orders were passed after watching a video clip submitted by State Public Prosecutor R. John Sathyan of the former MLA causing damage to the green safety nets put up by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB).
The SPP claimed the video clip was shared by the DMK IT wing on social media. He said that it showed the entire incident, right from the moment when the former MLA stepped out of his car and went on a rampage ripping the nets put around a culvert, which was under repair because of the damage caused due to its proximity to the main road and consequent heavy vehicular vibrations.
CMWSSB Assistant Engineer V. Malarselvam had lodged a complaint with the police on July 7, 2026, alleging that the former MLA had come to the desalination plant, along with two others, at around 9.30 p.m. on July 5, 2026, and ripped the safety nets, causing a loss of ₹10,000 to the public exchequer. The complainant had urged the court to register a FIR and initiate appropriate criminal action against the offenders.
Former MLA’s plea
On the other hand, the former MLA, in his FIR quash plea, said he had visited the desalination plant on July 5, 2026, only on receipt of information that the CMWSSB officials had removed a plaque containing the name of his party leader and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin who had inaugurated the plant in 2024 and had used green safety nets to cover the plaque during the visit of the incumbent Chief Minister.
Denying the charge of having caused damage to public property, the petitioner claimed the case had been registered due to political motives. He added that the media had covered extensively as to how the officials had used green nets to cover the name of the former Chief Minister.
Published – August 03, 2026 03:14 pm IST
