Title: Madras High Court Takes Up Case Against Tamil Nadu Ministers for Accumulating Assets in Excess of Income
Date: [Insert Date]
Chennai: The Madras High Court has recently taken up a case involving two former Tamil Nadu ministers, Thangam Tennarasu and KKSSR Ramachandran, who have been accused of accumulating assets in excess of their income during the DMK regime from 2006-2011. The court has ordered both ministers to respond to the allegations.
Thangam Thenarasu served as the Minister of School Education, while KKSSR Ramachandran held the position of Minister of Backward Welfare during the mentioned period. Two separate cases were filed against them, claiming that they amassed assets that surpassed their legitimate earnings.
One case involved Minister Thangam Tennarasu and his wife, who were accused of accumulating assets worth Rs 76.40 lakhs beyond their income. The other case targeted Minister KKSSR Ramachandran and his wife, who were alleged to have amassed assets exceeding Rs 44.56 lakh.
Initially, the case was being heard in the Srivilliputhur court, where the ministers filed a petition seeking exoneration. The court heard the case and released the ministers from the charges. However, as the Anti-Corruption Department did not appeal against this decision, Madras High Court Judge Anand Venkatesh took it upon himself to review the petitions.
The case came up for hearing on Wednesday before Justice Anand Venkatesh. Chief Advocate Shanmugasundaram, representing the Tamil Nadu government, highlighted that issuing orders without consulting the powers of the Anti-Corruption Department would undermine its authority. He emphasized that there were no flaws in the investigation procedure of the case.
The judge has only ordered the ministers to respond to the allegations, and no final decision has been made yet. The investigating officer, who strongly opposed the ministers’ petition for release earlier in 2021, has filed a request for further investigation following the change of government. This raises concerns about the improper handling of the investigation.
The acquittal orders issued by the Srivilliputhur court in both ministers’ cases were identical, indicating a potential malpractice. Such misconduct cannot be tolerated, and if the court overlooks it, it would seem to fail in its duty. The court should not be associated with any particular party or government but should serve the people of the nation.
This self-initiated case is not targeted against specific individuals but rather aims to address the changing stance of anti-corruption officials after 2021. It is disheartening to witness the manner in which cases are handled in special courts. In the present case, the judge has adjourned the hearing to September 20, ordering Ministers Thangam Tennarasu, KKSSR Ramachandran, and the Anti-Corruption Department to respond to the allegations.
It remains to be seen how this case unfolds and whether it will shed light on any potential corruption during the DMK regime from 2006-2011. The Madras High Court’s intervention reflects the importance of upholding the law and ensuring accountability, regardless of political affiliations.