Wealth Case: Madras HC Orders Framing Of Charges Against Minister Duraimurugan

Madras High Court

The Madras High Court on Wednesday ordered a Special Court in Vellore to proceed with framing charges against DMK General Secretary and Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan and his family members in a disproportionate assets case.

Justice P Velmurugan issued the directive while allowing revision petitions filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). The DVAC had challenged an earlier decision by the Vellore Special Court that had discharged Duraimurugan and his family members from the case.

The case relates to alleged accumulation of wealth disproportionate to known sources of income during the check period from 1996 to 2001. The High Court emphasized that the case should be handled as per legal procedures and directed that the charges be formally framed.

Trial Conducted

Justice Velmurugan further instructed the Special Court to conduct the trial on a day-to-day basis and to ensure that the proceedings are completed within six months. The directive aims to ensure speedy justice in a case that has remained pending for several years.

Case Background

Duraimurugan, a senior leader of the ruling DMK party and a long-serving minister in Tamil Nadu, was accused along with his family of accumulating assets beyond their known sources of income. The DVAC had investigated the matter and filed charges, which were initially dismissed by the trial court before the High Court stepped in.