The Income Tax Department has launched an independent investigation into accusations of income suppression, misrepresentation, and unlawful enrichment against Ramanathapuram Member of Parliament K. Navas Kani from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The department has summoned the MP for questioning and he has provided some documents in his defense, requesting more time to submit additional records. The court has directed the MP’s counsel to file a counter-affidavit by March 26 to aid the ongoing probe.
The case originated from a writ petition filed by advocate K. Venkatachalapathy, alleging significant inconsistencies in the assets declared by Navas Kani in election affidavits filed between 2019 and 2024. The petitioner claims that despite limited known income sources, the MP’s family accumulated assets worth Rs 20.84 crore during his initial term in Parliament, raising suspicions of potential misuse of official position and misappropriation of public funds meant for constituency development. The petitioner also mentioned submitting a representation to the I-T Department in 2025, leading to legal action due to perceived inaction.
The petitioner has also filed a separate writ petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the same allegations, which is currently pending. The High Court is expected to revisit the case once the MP submits his counter-affidavit later this month.
