The Supreme Court on Friday stayed proceedings in the disproportionate assets case against former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) and his family members. The court also sought a response from the Tamil Nadu Police on an appeal challenging the Madras High Court’s decision to revive the case.
A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti issued notices to the Tamil Nadu Police and the original complainants, directing them to file their responses.
Background of the Case
The case pertains to allegations of disproportionate assets amassed by O Panneerselvam during his tenure as Tamil Nadu’s revenue minister from 2001 to 2006. The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) had initially registered a case in 2006 under the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) regime, accusing OPS of accumulating wealth worth ₹1.7 crore—374% more than his known sources of income.
In 2012, when the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) returned to power, the DVAC withdrew the case, and OPS was discharged following a lower court order.
Madras High Court Ruling
In October 2023, the Madras High Court overturned the 2012 lower court order that had allowed the DVAC to withdraw the case. The High Court criticized the DVAC for its inconsistent approach, highlighting that the agency initially reported significant excess assets but later absolved OPS after the AIADMK came to power. The High Court ordered the case to be tried before the Principal Sessions Court in Madurai.
Supreme Court Stay
The Supreme Court’s intervention puts a temporary halt to the trial while it examines OPS’s appeal against the High Court’s decision. This development brings a momentary reprieve for the former Chief Minister and his kin.
The case has rekindled attention on the intersection of politics and legal proceedings in Tamil Nadu, especially concerning high-profile figures like OPS. The Tamil Nadu Police and complainants are now expected to submit their responses to the apex court in the coming days.