Supreme Court Halts Madras HC's Decision, Ministers Set to Face Disproportionate Assets Trial

The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed the Madras High Court's decision to reinstate Tamil Nadu ministers KKSSR Ramachandran and Thangam Thenarasu in disproportionate assets cases. The interim order came after objections to the High Court's procedure in overruling the discharge. The ministers will face trial as the Special Court prepares to frame charges.

The Supreme Court on Friday imposed an interim stay on a Madras High Court order that set aside trial court orders discharging Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister KKSSR Ramachandran and Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu from disproportionate assets cases. A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and P K Mishra has notified the Tamil Nadu government regarding an appeal filed by the ministers. The matter is scheduled for hearing after four weeks.

The apex court's decision followed arguments from senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi, who contended that the High Court's method in setting aside the discharge through a suo motu criminal revision was flawed.

The advocates argued that the High Court improperly dismissed the closure reports submitted by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). Tamil Nadu Advocate General Pattabhi Sundar Raman stated that the government plans to file a special leave petition against the order, asserting it conflicted with the DVAC's findings.

(With inputs from agencies.)