The Madras High Court on October 26, 2026, rejected former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi's anticipatory bail plea in an alleged Rs 100 crore case linked to payments collected from private schools for official approvals. The allegations remain under investigation.
Madras High Court Rejects Anbil Mahesh Bail Plea
Justice V. Lakshminarayanan dismissed the DMK leader's request for protection from arrest after hearing submissions from his lawyers and the prosecution. The matter concerns allegations of irregular collections from school managements in exchange for promises of recognition, licences, no-objection certificates and renewals. The detailed written order was still awaited when the verdict was reported.
How the Rs 100 Crore Private Schools Case Began
The Chennai Central Crime Branch registered a case following a complaint against Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association president B.T. Arasukumar and other office-bearers. The complaint alleged that schools paid fees after being promised help obtaining necessary approvals, but the promised work was not completed. Police initially invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to cheating and criminal breach of trust. Investigators later added Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and named Anbil Mahesh as an accused.
What Anbil Mahesh and Police Told the Court
Anbil Mahesh denied any wrongdoing. His counsel argued that there was no evidence he had personally received illegal payments or committed a specific unlawful act. The defence said some people may have collected money by using his name and questioned the timing of the complaint following a change of government. The prosecution opposed anticipatory bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for further questioning. The former minister has said he cooperated with the investigation and appeared for questioning.
What Happens After the Anticipatory Bail Rejection?
The court's decision means Anbil Mahesh did not receive the pre-arrest protection he sought through this petition. It does not amount to a finding of guilt or confirmation of an arrest. He has also filed a separate petition seeking to quash the FIR, including a dispute over approval for the corruption investigation. According to reports on October 26, that matter was listed for hearing on October 29.
