New Delhi, July 15 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to interfere with the Madras High Court's interim order that stayed any coercive steps against former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader EV Velu in a corruption case relating to alleged irregularities in the execution of road infrastructure projects.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging the High Court's order while observing that the High Court has already directed Velu to join the investigation.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the government, argued that the interim order had effectively granted anticipatory bail to Velu in proceedings where no such relief had been sought.

Oppos...