The Madras High Court on Thursday has handed down a 3-years simple imprisonment sentence to Tamil Nadu Education Minister K Ponmudi in connection with a Disproportionate Assets case. A bench of Justice G Jayachandran also levied a fine of Rs 50 lakh each on Ponmudi and his wife.
However, the judge granted a 30-day suspension of the sentence for Ponmudi, considering his current position as the Higher Education Minister.
Earlier this week, the Madras High Court overturned the trial court’s decision that previously acquitted Ponmudi of charges in the DA case.
In response to an appeal filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, Justice G Jayachandran set aside the trial court’s judgment, directing Ponmudi and his wife to appear before the court today.
On June 28, the trial court, acquitted Tamil Nadu Education Minister Ponmudi.
The origins of the case trace back to the period when the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam held power from 2006 – 2011.
Ponmudi and his wife, Visalakshi, faced prosecution during the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam regime in 2011 for allegedly amassing assets beyond their income.
The investigation was led by Villupuram District Anti-Corruption Superintendent of Police, Kanniyappan, and involved over a hundred individuals, resulting in chargesheets being filed.
The allegation suggested that Minister Ponmudi and Visalakshi amassed assets exceeding Rs 1.36 crore.
Initially tried in the Villupuram Chief Criminal Court, the case was later shifted to the Villupuram Anti-Corruption Special Court in 2015.
In November 2022, with the change in power and the DMK assuming control, the case was transferred to the Vellore District Principal Sessions Court.
A significant development occurred when Ponmudi and his wife appeared in court on the day of judgment in the asset embezzlement case. The presiding judge ruled in their favor, citing insufficient evidence as grounds for acquittal from the property transfer charge.
With no appeal from the anti-bribery department against this judgment on June 28, the Madras High Court Judge Anand Venkatesh took up the case suo motu.
Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court reviewed the trial court order where Higher Education Minister Ponmudi was acquitted in the DA case booked by DVAC in 2006.
Ponmudi also filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, seeking consideration and potential resolution in the DA matter, but the plea was subsequently dismissed by the Supreme court.