In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Friday issued a stay on the Madras High Court’s decision to restore a disproportionate assets (DA) case against former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and his family members. The apex court’s intervention grants temporary relief to Panneerselvam, pausing the reinstated proceedings that had been previously dismissed by a lower court.
A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti responded to Panneerselvam’s appeal by issuing notices to the Tamil Nadu police and other respondents involved. The justices articulated the need to examine the High Court’s use of suo motu powers in criminal revision, which led to the restoration of the case.
The controversy stems from a 2012 decision by the chief judicial magistrate/special judge in Sivaganga, which discharged Panneerselvam and others in the DA case, allowing the prosecution to withdraw. However, the High Court overturned this decision on October 29, prompting Panneerselvam to seek redress at the Supreme Court.
The allegations by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) claim that Panneerselvam, during his brief tenure as chief minister and subsequent role as revenue minister from 2001 to 2006, amassed assets 374 times greater than his known sources of income, in his name and those of his relatives.
Justice N Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court had ruled that the case be transferred to the Special Court for MP/MLA cases in Madurai, directing the court there to proceed with the case and ensure expedited, day-to-day hearings to conclude by June 31, 2025. The High Court also instructed the special court to treat the DVAC’s 2012 investigation report as a supplementary report and to take necessary steps to secure the attendance of the accused, including the possibility of canceling their bail if dilatory tactics were employed.
