Senior Tamil Nadu Minister Sentenced to 3 Years in Jail in Corruption Case

Tamil Nadu minister K Pondmudy has been awarded a three-year jail term in a corruption case by the Madras High Court.

Jail Term Suspended for 30 Days to Allow Appeal

However, he will not surrender immediately as his sentence has been suspended for 30 days, permitting him to appeal the conviction in the Supreme Court.

High Court Convicts DMK Leader and His Wife in Disproportionate Assets Case

The High Court overturned a trial court’s order and convicted DMK leader R Ponmudy and his wife in a ₹1.75-crore disproportionate assets case. The sentencing follows the court’s decision on Tuesday.

Ponmudy Ceases to be Minister, Portfolio Likely to be Reassigned

Following his conviction, R Ponmudy ceases to be a minister, and his higher education portfolio is expected to be reassigned to another cabinet colleague. As per the law, individuals convicted by a court lose their membership in the parliament or assembly.

The sentencing comes a day after Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to remove Pondmudy from his cabinet. This development has added to the existing tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor.

Case Originating from DMK’s 2006-2011 Regime

The corruption case dates back to the DMK’s 2006-2011 regime when the convicted leader amassed over ₹1.36 crore in assets. The case was brought to the court by the rival AIADMK, which assumed power in 2011.

The Ponmudy case further escalates tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor. The political dynamics are underscored by the recent call from the Governor for the Chief Minister to drop Pondmudy from the cabinet.