Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay chairs the conference of police officers at Namakkal Kavignar Maligai in the Secretariat, in Chennai on Tuesday. (@TNDIPRNEWS X/ANI Photo) NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu’s main opposition, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), on Tuesday lodged a complaint with the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), alleging that “private individuals” close to chief minister C Joseph Vijay regularly attend Cabinet meetings and have even issued directions to government officials.Describing the allegations as “cognizable offences,” the MK Stalin-led party demanded that police register an FIR, conduct a fair and comprehensive investigation, and take action against all those responsible.The complaint, lodged by DMK organisation secretary RS Bharathi, named John Arockiasamy and Vishnu Reddy as the two alleged associates of CM Vijay.”It has been seen and reported that John Arockiasamy and Vishnu Reddy, stated to be close associates of the chief minister and residents of Andhra Pradesh, have regularly attended Cabinet meetings, official review meetings and other high-level government deliberations conducted at the Secretariat. It has further been reported that both individuals have been allotted office chambers adjoining the office of the chief minister within the Secretariat,” the complaint alleged.It further claimed that news reports suggested the two “private individuals” had participated in executive decision-making, issued directions to government officials, influenced government policy, or exercised “de facto” executive authority without any lawful appointment or statutory sanction.According to Bharathi, Vijay, as chief minister, holds the highest executive office in the state and is constitutionally bound by the oath of office and secrecy under Article 164(3) of the Constitution. As such, he is under a continuing legal duty to preserve the confidentiality of Cabinet proceedings and other sensitive government business.The central issue requiring investigation, Bharathi argued, is whether Arockiasamy and Reddy are government servants or hold any office or authority recognised under law that authorises them to participate in confidential government proceedings or access classified information.”If they possess no such lawful authority, their presence during Cabinet meetings or confidential review meetings, where Cabinet papers, classified records, official files and sensitive policy matters are discussed, prima facie raises serious offences relating to the unauthorised communication, receipt, possession and use of official information by them, the chief minister, and all other persons who knowingly facilitated such access,” the complaint stated.According to the DMK, Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, criminalises the use of official information by persons not lawfully entitled to it, as well as the unlawful disclosure of such information by persons under a legal duty to preserve secrecy.The complaint further alleged that the matter disclosed “additional offences” under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including criminal conspiracy, abuse or misuse of public office, abetment, and other offences that may emerge during the investigation.Bharathi called on the police to register an FIR, conduct a fair and comprehensive investigation, and proceed against every person found responsible. He demanded that the FIR be registered under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and all other applicable laws.(with PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMumbai Horror: School Bus Crushed By Falling Tree In Mumbai; One Child Dead, Five Injured’Kashmir Is Not Part Of Pakistan’: PoJK Protesters Warn IslamabadAfter Converting To Islam For Love, UP’s Ayush Malik Returns To Hinduism | Watch’This Is Bigger Than Dharmendra Pradhan’: Students Demand Reforms Not ‘Political Damage Control’Another Blow To Uddhav Thackeray: Prominent Mumbai Leader Sachin Ahir Switches Sides | WatchRs 65 Lakh House, SUV, Farmhouse: Ram Temple Donation Theft Accused’s Assets Under ScannerUPI Rolls Out in Greece; ‘Enables Instant Low-Cost Cross-Border Payments,’ Says Piyush Goyal’We’ll Cut Off Those Hands That…’: Pakistan’s Provocation Over Indus Water Amid Domestic Failure’Lose Vote, Lose Benefits’: Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar’s SIR Warning Sparks RowAbhijit Dipke Opens Up About CJP’s Next Move, Funding Model & Post-Protest Strategy | Watch123PhotostoriesTrying to manage PMOS? Doctors say smoking could be undoing many of the healthy changes women work so hard to make10 quotes by Sadhguru that give a new perspective on parenting5 signs you’re destined for great things in lifePersonality test: What the woman you find attractive really tells about youIndia’s silent liver epidemic: The alarming shift from infectious diseases to lifestyle-driven liver damage that doctors can no longer ignoreIs your skin barrier crying for help? 5 warning signs you should never ignore10 beautiful baby girl names that mean peace and calmness in different languagesFrom love at first sight to divorce: Gaurav Khanna and Akanksha Chamola’s relationship timeline explainedLove quote of the day by Plato: ‘The madness of love is the greatest of heaven’s blessings’Kareena Kapoor Khan vrooms in a MINI dressed to kill in pinstriped suit with corset123Hot PicksKarnataka SIRJohn CenaSergio GorWWE Summerslam PredictionsiPhone 18 Pro data leakNoida schools timingSachin AhirDK ShivakumarAP EAPCET Result 2026Top TrendingDelhi EV Vehicle Policy 2026Bengal Refinery FireSonam RaghuvanshiFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovMK StalinJosh Hokit
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu’s main opposition, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), on Tuesday lodged a complaint with the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), alleging that “private individuals” close to chief minister C Joseph Vijay regularly attend Cabinet meetings and have even issued directions to government officials.Describing the allegations as “cognizable offences,” the MK Stalin-led party demanded that police register an FIR, conduct a fair and comprehensive investigation, and take action against all those responsible.The complaint, lodged by DMK organisation secretary RS Bharathi, named John Arockiasamy and Vishnu Reddy as the two alleged associates of CM Vijay.“It has been seen and reported that John Arockiasamy and Vishnu Reddy, stated to be close associates of the chief minister and residents of Andhra Pradesh, have regularly attended Cabinet meetings, official review meetings and other high-level government deliberations conducted at the Secretariat. It has further been reported that both individuals have been allotted office chambers adjoining the office of the chief minister within the Secretariat,” the complaint alleged.It further claimed that news reports suggested the two “private individuals” had participated in executive decision-making, issued directions to government officials, influenced government policy, or exercised “de facto” executive authority without any lawful appointment or statutory sanction.According to Bharathi, Vijay, as chief minister, holds the highest executive office in the state and is constitutionally bound by the oath of office and secrecy under Article 164(3) of the Constitution. As such, he is under a continuing legal duty to preserve the confidentiality of Cabinet proceedings and other sensitive government business.The central issue requiring investigation, Bharathi argued, is whether Arockiasamy and Reddy are government servants or hold any office or authority recognised under law that authorises them to participate in confidential government proceedings or access classified information.“If they possess no such lawful authority, their presence during Cabinet meetings or confidential review meetings, where Cabinet papers, classified records, official files and sensitive policy matters are discussed, prima facie raises serious offences relating to the unauthorised communication, receipt, possession and use of official information by them, the chief minister, and all other persons who knowingly facilitated such access,” the complaint stated.According to the DMK, Section 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, criminalises the use of official information by persons not lawfully entitled to it, as well as the unlawful disclosure of such information by persons under a legal duty to preserve secrecy.The complaint further alleged that the matter disclosed “additional offences” under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including criminal conspiracy, abuse or misuse of public office, abetment, and other offences that may emerge during the investigation.Bharathi called on the police to register an FIR, conduct a fair and comprehensive investigation, and proceed against every person found responsible. He demanded that the FIR be registered under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and all other applicable laws.(with PTI inputs)
