Madras High Court cancels release of Minister Ponmudi and his wife in asset hoarding case
Chennai: The Madras High Court has issued a significant order in the case of Minister Ponmudi and his wife Vishalakshi, canceling their release from the asset hoarding case. The hearing of the case has been adjourned to December 21, where the details of the punishment will be announced.
The case dates back to 2011 when the anti-bribery police filed a case against Ponmudi, who served as the transport minister during the DMK regime from 1996-2001, and his wife, alleging that they were involved in accumulating assets worth Rs 1.36 crore beyond their income.
The Vellore District Principal Sessions Court had acquitted Ponmudi and others from the case last June. However, Madras High Court Judge N. Anand Venkatesh, who personally took up the case for review, ordered Ponmudi and the Anti-Corruption Department to respond.
Since then, Judge N. Anand Venkatesh has been transferred to the Madurai branch of the High Court, and Judge M. Jayachandran has taken over the case.
During the arguments, the anti-corruption department presented evidences from 39 witnesses, including income tax returns, property and bank account details. On the other hand, Ponmudi’s lawyers argued that the investigating officer did not take into account the agricultural land owned by Vishalakshi, which amounts to 110 acres, nor her separate trading activities.
In today’s judgment, Judge M. Jayachandran stated that the lower court’s order acquitting Minister Ponmudi is cancelled. He also ordered Ponmudi and his wife to appear in person on December 21 to announce the details of the punishment in this case, emphasizing that it has been proved that they have accumulated more than 64.90% of their income.
The decision has sparked strong reactions, with supporters of the minister expressing shock and disappointment, while others have hailed the judgment as a crucial step in the fight against corruption. The case has also brought to light the complexities and challenges involved in dealing with high-profile corruption cases.