Supreme Court allows DICCI to be impleaded in Savukku Shankar's PIL before Madras HC against state welfare scheme

Supreme Court on Monday ordered impleadment of Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) and Gen Green in the PIL filed by Youtuber Savukku Shankar’s before the Madras High Court.

Shankar's PIL sought registration of an FIR by the CBI to probe the affairs of DICCI and Gen Green in connection with the implementation of the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme (AABCS), a Tamil Nadu Government initiative aimed at empowering Dalit entrepreneurs and sanitation workers.

It is the youtuber's claim that the scheme's implementation is tainted as it was entrusted to DICCI, which is allegedly led by with personsclose ties to the TN Congress Committee President.

A CJI BR Gavai led bench has granted liberty to file an application for impleadment before the High Court and further directed that till the time, concerned parties are impleaded, the writ petition be kept in abeyance.

The PIL alleges that the scheme was executed in contravention of its prescribed administrative framework, including the unlawful outsourcing of implementation responsibilities. It further accuses Ravikumar Narra, Padma Shri awardee and National President of DICCI, of misappropriation of government funds.

While the PIL was filed on May 12, 2025 before a Vacation Bench of the Madras High Court, notices were issued on May 14, 2025 to the Director and Joint Director of the CBI, as well as various government departments. To this the bench also comprising Justice AG Masih asked, "What was the urgency for the High Court to take this up in vacation?".

Senior Advocates V. Giri and Nalin Kohli appeared for the petitioners. They were assisted by a team from Karanjawala & Co. led by Nandini Gore, Senior Partner, along with Sonia Nigam-Principal Associate, Mohammad Shahyan Khan-Senior Associate, and Akarsh Sharma-Associate.

DICCI of corruption in the execution of a Tamil Nadu welfare scheme that is meant to uplift sanitation workers and the Dalit community.Case Title: DALIT INDIAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY [DICCI] AND ANR. vs. A. SHANKAR ALIAS SAVUKKU SHANKAR AND ORS