Madras HC Restores 2 Disproportionate Assets Cases Against Minister Panneerselvam

Madras High Court

The Madras High Court has revived two disproportionate assets (DA) cases against DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam and his family.

The court set aside earlier discharge orders issued by the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Cuddalore in 2007 and 2016.

DVAC’s Petitions Succeed After Years

Justice P. Velmurugan allowed the criminal revision petitions filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in 2013 and 2016, which challenged the acquittal of Panneerselvam and his relatives. In a strong directive, the judge ordered the Special Court in Cuddalore to conduct a full-fledged trial on a day-to-day basis and complete the proceedings within six months.

Details Of Allegations

The cases trace back to Panneerselvam’s tenure as a minister. According to the prosecution, between 1996 and 2001, Panneerselvam and his wife Senthamizhselvi allegedly accumulated wealth worth ₹21.22 lakh, which was disproportionate to their known sources of income.

A second case relates to his later ministerial stint from 2006 to 2011, during which he, along with his wife Senthamizhselvi and son Kathiresan, was accused of acquiring assets worth ₹3 crore, again allegedly beyond their legitimate earnings.

Court Calls For Swift Justice

By overturning the previous discharge orders, the High Court underscored the need for expeditious handling of corruption-related cases involving public servants. It instructed the Special Court to ensure daily hearings to prevent unnecessary delays and to wrap up the trial within the stipulated six-month period.

The decision marks a significant boost for the DVAC, which had been pursuing these cases for over a decade. It also reflects the judiciary’s resolve to prioritize cases that involve allegations of misuse of public office and unexplained accumulation of wealth.

Crucial Test Ahead

With the High Court’s latest order, M.R.K. Panneerselvam and his family now face a crucial trial that could have wide-reaching political and personal ramifications. As the legal proceedings move forward under tight timelines, all eyes will be on how the evidence unfolds in court.