Just 6 months after being stripped of his DMK Deputy General Secretary post for making vulgar and derogatory remarks about Hindu traditions and women, former Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ponmudi is set to be reinstated to the same party position, ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

According to a post on its X handle, the DMK announced the appointment of Ponmudi and senior leader MP Swaminathan as new Deputy General Secretaries expanding the current list of office bearers from five to seven.

தி.மு.க. துணைப் பொதுச்செயலாளர்கள் நியமனம்

– தலைமைக் கழக அறிவிப்பு#DMK pic.twitter.com/59ZgElmcNT

— DMK (@arivalayam) November 4, 2025

The move has triggered unease within sections of the party and among critics who view it as a reward for a leader mired in controversy.

In April 2025, Ponmudi had provoked nationwide outrage after making obscene comments about Shaivism and Vaishnavism, alongside indecent remarks about women, at a public event organised by the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam in Chennai.

While addressing the gathering, he narrated a crude anecdote equating the sacred forehead markings of Shaivites and Vaishnavites with sexual positions. The minister said:

“A man goes to the home of a sex worker. She asked if he was a Shaivaite or Vaishnavite… She said if you are Shaivaite, it means intercourse in a lying position, and if Vaishnavite, intercourse in a standing position.”

This is DMK’s standard of political discourse in Tamil Nadu. Thiru Ponmudi was once the Higher Education Minister of Tamil Nadu & now Minister for Forests and Khadi, and the youth of Tamil Nadu are expected to tolerate this filth? Not just this Minister, the entire DMK ecosystem… pic.twitter.com/ENMq47hiPf

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) April 11, 2025

The remarks went viral and drew strong condemnation from Hindu groups, women’s rights activists, and opposition parties, including the BJP, which filed police complaints against him.

Following the backlash, advocate B Jagannath filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court seeking Ponmudi’s dismissal from the state cabinet, arguing that his comments violated his constitutional responsibilities as a public servant and insulted the religious sentiments of millions.

Under public pressure, Ponmudi issued an apology on 12 April 2025, saying, “I sincerely apologize for the words I used. It was a lapse in judgment. I regret having caused offense and embarrassment to many.”

Despite the apology, the DMK removed him from his Deputy General Secretary post to contain the controversy though he was allowed to continue as Forest Minister, a decision that drew criticism for its perceived double standards. Following the outrage and sustained public pressure including opposition demands and a Madras High Court directive, Ponmudi resigned from the cabinet as well. The Governor of Tamil Nadu accepted his resignation, and his portfolio was reassigned to another minister.

Now, with the 2026 polls nearing, Stalin’s decision to reportedly reinstate Ponmudi has raised eyebrows within political circles. The move comes amid efforts to strengthen district-level leadership, with Ponmudi likely to be entrusted with responsibility for the Villupuram district, where the party has faced organizational slack.

Party insiders claim that since Villupuram Minister MRK Panneerselvam hails from neighbouring Cuddalore and cannot oversee local activities full-time, Ponmudi is being brought back for “electoral management.”

(Source: Samayam Tamil)

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The ruling DMK is currently grappling with mounting public dissatisfaction, driven by growing anti-incumbency sentiments and widespread criticism of its handling of law and order, among other administrative shortcomings. Adding to its woes, the party is now under intense judicial scrutiny, with several of its sitting ministers facing serious corruption allegations. On just one day — 23 April — the judiciary delivered multiple setbacks for the DMK including, Electricity, Prohibition and Excise Minister V. Senthil Balaji, Forest Minister K. Ponmudy, and the party’s general secretary and Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan all found themselves in legal trouble. To make matters worse, the party also faced a blow in the case related to Enforcement Directorate raids on TASMAC, involving alleged financial irregularities to the tune of ₹1,000 crore. In each of these cases, the court’s stance went against the DMK, intensifying the political heat on the party’s leadership.

Below are the details of each case:

Madras High Court Gives Belt Treatment To DMK Govt For Not Registering FIR Against Ponmudi’s Hate Speech On Hindus

On 23 April 2025, the Madras High Court initiated suo motu proceedings against DMK Forest Minister Ponmudy following his making derogatory remarks on Vaishnavism and Saivism. Justice Anand Venkatesh directed the Registry to initiate writ proceedings against the Minister and present the matter before the Chief Justice for further action. The court observed that the Minister’s speech appeared to constitute hate speech, potentially violating various sections of the BNS 2023.

The court emphasized that the Minister’s remarks were not only disrespectful to women but also deeply insulting to the religious beliefs of Vaishnavites and Saivites, who represent the two major Hindu sects in Tamil Nadu. The bench noted that the speech, on the surface, appeared to be laced with contempt for both groups and was laced with obscenities that injured the sentiments of their followers.

The court stated, “At first glance, these remarks are highly disrespectful to women and seem intentionally aimed at inciting animosity toward the two major Hindu sects—Vaishnavism and Saivism. Beyond their indecent tone, the comments also deeply offend the religious sentiments of Vaishnavites and Saivites.”

It also criticized the state police for their inaction, stating that their failure to act against the Minister, despite previous court orders, was distressing. The court emphasized its duty to ensure that the state police adhere to Supreme Court directives concerning hate speech, asserting a zero-tolerance policy towards such offenses.

The court noted, “This court observed that the Minister had acknowledged making the statement and was subsequently removed from his position. Yet, the police, whose duty it is to address hate speech, took no action. This ongoing inaction is deeply troubling. As a constitutional authority, this court has a responsibility to ensure that the Tamil Nadu police comply with the Supreme Court’s directives on hate speech. When it comes to such matters, there is zero tolerance.”

On 17 April 2025, the court had directed the state government to register an FIR against Minister Ponmudy for his remarks. The court had warned that failure to do so would compel it to take suo motu action. The judge emphasized that individuals in positions of power should exercise responsibility and refrain from making divisive statements.

In response, Senior Advocate P. Wilson, representing the Tamil Nadu Police, informed the court that preliminary inquiries had been conducted into two complaints against the Minister, both of which were closed after finding no prima facie case. Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, representing Ponmudy, argued that the speech was made in a closed meeting and only a truncated version was made public, and that the Minister was discussing events from around 40 years ago, suggesting no case had been made out. The court recorded these submissions but maintained its stance that the Minister’s speech was derogatory and ordered accordingly.

Madras High Court Reopens Disproportionate Assets Case Against DMK Minister Duraimurugan

On 23 April 2025, the Madras High Court set aside a 2007 discharge order and ruled that DMK  general secretary and current Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan, along with his family members, must stand trial in a long-pending disproportionate assets case. The case, originally filed in 2002, accuses the minister and his relatives of accumulating wealth beyond known sources of income during the period between 1996 and 2001.

Justice P. Velmurugan passed the order while allowing a set of five criminal revision petitions filed in 2013 by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). The petitions contested the discharge granted by a special court in Vellore on 23 February 2007, which had cleared Duraimurugan, his wife D. Santhakumari, son D.M. Kathir Anand (DMK Vellore MP), brother Durai Singaram, and daughter-in-law K. Sangeetha of all charges.

The court has now directed the trial court to proceed with framing charges and to expedite the trial process, requiring it to be completed within six months with hearings conducted daily, considering the age of the case.

At the time the alleged offense occurred, Duraimurugan served as Public Works Department Minister in the government led by then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Following the return of the AIADMK to power in 2001 under J. Jayalalithaa, the DVAC registered a First Information Report (FIR) against him in 2002. Subsequent raids were carried out at his residence in Chennai and at multiple other locations associated with him and his family.

Despite the 2007 discharge under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, the DVAC pursued a legal challenge in 2013. The High Court had earlier accepted the agency’s explanation for the 1,789-day delay in filing the revision, noting the political context—namely that the DMK held power in the state from 2006 to 2011, which may have hindered timely legal action.

Justice Velmurugan concluded hearings on the matter earlier this year, following detailed submissions from both the defense and the prosecution, before delivering the verdict this week.

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On 23 April 2025, the Madras High Court initiated suo motu proceedings against DMK Forest Minister Ponmudy following his making derogatory remarks on Vaishnavism and Saivism. Justice Anand Venkatesh directed the Registry to initiate writ proceedings against the Minister and present the matter before the Chief Justice for further action. The court observed that the Minister’s speech appeared to constitute hate speech, potentially violating various sections of the BNS 2023.

The court emphasized that the Minister’s remarks were not only disrespectful to women but also deeply insulting to the religious beliefs of Vaishnavites and Saivites, who represent the two major Hindu sects in Tamil Nadu. The bench noted that the speech, on the surface, appeared to be laced with contempt for both groups and was laced with obscenities that injured the sentiments of their followers.

The court stated, “At first glance, these remarks are highly disrespectful to women and seem intentionally aimed at inciting animosity toward the two major Hindu sects—Vaishnavism and Saivism. Beyond their indecent tone, the comments also deeply offend the religious sentiments of Vaishnavites and Saivites.”

It also criticized the state police for their inaction, stating that their failure to act against the Minister, despite previous court orders, was distressing. The court emphasized its duty to ensure that the state police adhere to Supreme Court directives concerning hate speech, asserting a zero-tolerance policy towards such offenses.

The court noted, “This court observed that the Minister had acknowledged making the statement and was subsequently removed from his position. Yet, the police, whose duty it is to address hate speech, took no action. This ongoing inaction is deeply troubling. As a constitutional authority, this court has a responsibility to ensure that the Tamil Nadu police comply with the Supreme Court’s directives on hate speech. When it comes to such matters, there is zero tolerance.”

On 17 April 2025, the court had directed the state government to register an FIR against Minister Ponmudy for his remarks. The court had warned that failure to do so would compel it to take suo motu action. The judge emphasized that individuals in positions of power should exercise responsibility and refrain from making divisive statements.

In response, Senior Advocate P. Wilson, representing the Tamil Nadu Police, informed the court that preliminary inquiries had been conducted into two complaints against the Minister, both of which were closed after finding no prima facie case. Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, representing Ponmudy, argued that the speech was made in a closed meeting and only a truncated version was made public, and that the Minister was discussing events from around 40 years ago, suggesting no case had been made out. The court recorded these submissions but maintained its stance that the Minister’s speech was derogatory and ordered accordingly.

(With inputs from Live Law)

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Senior BJP leader and Tamil Nadu BJP Co-ordination Committee Convenor H. Raja has issued a stern warning against the growing anti-Hindu rhetoric in the state. Referring to the ongoing legal proceedings against DMK Forest Minister K. Ponmudy, Raja said this should be the last instance of any leader making derogatory remarks about Hindu beliefs.

Speaking at a BJP felicitation event in Chennai’s Royapettah YMCA Ground, organized to honor the newly appointed Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran, Raja congratulated him and condemned the state police for acting with political bias. He warned that if this partiality continues, officers responsible would face strict disciplinary action similar to the crackdown during the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi’s regime.

H. Raja stated, “Today, efforts are being made to take action against a minister who speaks ill of the Hindu community. Their DNA is like that. Since the very beginning, with EVR, it has become fashionable in Tamil Nadu to mock Hinduism.”

He declared, “Let Ponmudy be the last person to do so. From now on, no one should dare to speak against Hinduism. To such an extent that women are out on the streets. I tell you with certainty, Hindus, ‘Snakes should hiss; if not, they will strike.’ That is why I am saying that these Dravidian stocks, the vile forced degenerates, the evil anti-Hindu factions, should be uprooted from the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.”

''இவரோடு அது கடைசியாக இருக்கவேண்டும்.. இனிமேல் எந்த பயலும் இந்து மதத்தை பற்றி தவறாக பேசக்கூடாது…'' ஆவேசமாக பேசிய ஹெச்.ராஜா#BJP | #NainarNagendran | #BJPLeader | #HRaja | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/NOYKtsn8UA

— Polimer News (@polimernews) April 17, 2025

Then, Raja expressed confidence in Nainar Nagendran’s leadership, describing him as an experienced and capable leader who previously held major portfolios such as Industries and Energy during his earlier political career.

Highlighting the BJP’s goal of establishing a strong foothold in Tamil Nadu, Raja urged party workers to act as if Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself were contesting from every constituency. “Every karyakarta must commit fully, like a student who is fully prepared for an exam,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from BJP founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Raja emphasized the spirit of selfless service and sacrifice for the nation. “Unlike other political dynasties, especially the Karunanidhi family, BJP leaders step forward first in service, not for personal gain,” he said.

He concluded by assuring Nainar Nagendran of full support from the party’s nearly 50 lakh members in the state, adding confidently that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would form the government in Tamil Nadu in the near future.

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The Madras High Court on Thursday came down heavily on Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy over his controversial public remarks targeting Saivites, Vaishnavites, and women. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, who is hearing a suo motu revision petition against the Minister’s acquittal in a disproportionate assets case, questioned the Tamil Nadu government on the inaction over the speech and sought a clear update on whether an FIR had been registered.

Referring to video clips of the Minister’s remarks circulated on social media, Justice Venkatesh observed that the statements were not accidental. “The person who made the comment is accepting the comment,” he said, rejecting the notion that the matter could be resolved with a mere apology.

#MadrasHC asks state to register FIR against Minister #Ponmudi based on a complaint
Justice Anand Venkatesh: If they don't, then I'll initiate suo motu pic.twitter.com/8AjGxY1eEt

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 17, 2025

Calling the remarks “damaging content,” the judge said, “It cannot just go on and on. We don’t know when it’ll flare up. This is a cognisance taken by court. The moment I enter into this, it’ll get a different colour. I don’t want that to happen.”

He directed Advocate General P.S. Raman to verify with the Director General of Police by Thursday evening regarding the action taken so far. Emphasizing the seriousness of the issue, Justice Venkatesh said the state must act, failing which he would be compelled to take suo motu action. “If they don’t [register an FIR], then I’ll initiate suo motu,” he warned.

The court made it clear that only one FIR needed to be filed and instructed the government to proceed. “At least in future, somebody should not venture to make such spurious statements like this, holding a position of that stature,” the judge said.

He stressed that the law must apply equally, regardless of political affiliation. “Somebody must hesitate to do that in future. They shouldn’t think — when I belong to some other party, I will be held, but if I belong to the ruling party, I can talk anything. That impression should never be given. Law is for everybody,” he stated.

Justice Venkatesh also noted that when the government takes swift action on hate speech by opposition members or critics, it must apply the same standards to those within its own ranks. “It’s not some ordinary thing which he uttered. We all heard it,” he said.

The High Court has now directed the state to report by 23 April 2025 whether an FIR has been filed against Minister Ponmudy based on the complaint.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

The post “If They Don’t, I’ll Initiate Suo Motu”: Madras HC Demands FIR Against DMK Min Ponmudy’s Derogatory Speech About Hindus And Women appeared first on The Commune.

Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy has found himself embroiled in controversy after making derogatory remarks about Shaivism and Vaishnavism, along with indecent and offensive comments about women during a public event organized by the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam. In response, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Madras High Court, seeking his removal from the state cabinet. The PIL, submitted by advocate B Jagannath, claims that Ponmudy’s statements are a violation of the responsibilities entrusted to a public servant under the Constitution and calls for his immediate dismissal from ministerial duties.

The controversy erupted after Ponmudy, while speaking at an event organized by the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, recounted a vulgar anecdote that linked sacred Hindu religious symbols to sexual positions. The minister referenced a crude joke historically shared in Dravidian movement circles, which equated the forehead markings of Shaivites and Vaishnavites to different sexual acts. The remarks, which quickly went viral, drew widespread condemnation from various political and religious groups.

He said, “A man goes to the home of a sex worker. She asked him if he was a Shaivaite or a Vaishnavite. He did not understand. If she had asked for ₹5 or ₹10, it would have been okay. He pondered why she asked if he was a Shaivaite or Vaishnavite coming to a sex worker’s home. When he asked, he did not understand her question. She said if you are a Shaivaite, you wear holy ash this way, and if you are Vaishnavaite, you wear it this way. He did not understand. He asked her what she meant. She said if you are Shaivaite, it means intercourse in a lying position, and if it is Vaishnavaite, intercourse in a standing position.” This went viral and received criticism from all quarters.

This is DMK’s standard of political discourse in Tamil Nadu. Thiru Ponmudi was once the Higher Education Minister of Tamil Nadu & now Minister for Forests and Khadi, and the youth of Tamil Nadu are expected to tolerate this filth? Not just this Minister, the entire DMK ecosystem… pic.twitter.com/ENMq47hiPf

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) April 11, 2025

B Jagannath, in his PIL, criticized the lack of police response despite multiple complaints being filed, including one by BJP leaders with the Chennai Police Commissioner. He emphasized that Ponmudy, as an elected official, is constitutionally bound to respect and protect the sentiments of all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.

Facing intense backlash, Ponmudy issued a public apology on 12 April 2025, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his comments. “I sincerely apologize for the words I used. It was a lapse in judgment. I regret having caused offense and embarrassment to many,” he said in a statement, expressing remorse for the hurt his remarks caused.

In response to the uproar, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) removed Ponmudy from his position as the party’s Deputy General Secretary. However, he continues to serve as the Forest Minister, a decision that has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society alike.

DMK MP Kanimozhi, sister of Chief Minister and party leader M.K. Stalin, condemned Ponmudy’s comments, labeling them “unacceptable.” AIADMK leader Sellur Raju also criticized the minister, accusing him of frequently making disparaging remarks about women and marginalized communities.

BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan demanded Ponmudy’s immediate dismissal from the cabinet, stating that his statements have stripped him of any moral right to hold public office.

The PIL is expected to be heard by the Madras High Court on 24 April 2025, as pressure mounts on the state government to take firmer action.

(With inputs from Federal News)

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The post PIL Filed In Madras HC Seeking DMK Minister K Ponmudy’s Removal Over Derogatory Remarks On Hinduism And Women appeared first on The Commune.

A recent video of DMK Minister K. Ponmudy has ignited widespread controversy and condemnation across social media platforms, with many calling out the minister for his offensive remarks targeting Shaivite and Vaishnavite communities. The video, which surfaced on X, captures Ponmudy making a crude analogy involving a prostitute to mock the religious practices of these Hindu sects, drawing sharp criticism for its insensitivity and vulgarity.

In the video, Ponmudy recounts a supposed interaction between a man and a prostitute, where the woman asks the man if he is a Shaivite or a Vaishnavite. According to Ponmudy, the prostitute explains that Shaivite means “lying down position” (referencing the horizontal tilak worn by Shaivites) while a Vaishnavite means a “standing position” (referencing the vertical tilak worn by Vaishnavites).

“Shaivism – Lying Down Position, Vaishnavism – Standing Position”: DMK Minister K. Ponmudy Insults Hindus By Narrating A Supposed Interaction Of Man With Prostitute

A recent video of Tamil Nadu Minister K. Ponmudy has ignited widespread controversy and condemnation across… pic.twitter.com/GpK3kXvyK5

— The Commune (@TheCommuneMag) April 10, 2025

The minister’s remarks were met with laughter from some in the audience, but they have since triggered a firestorm of backlash online.

Also, this isn’t the first time that DMK Minister Ponmudi has made such crass remarks from a public platform.

While inaugurating a ration shop at Manappoondi in Vizhupuram district, the DMK Minister openly asked a panchayat union chairperson about the caste she belonged.

“Even your panchayat union chairperson is a woman from an oppressed community. See who’s the chairman of this village? You are from a downtrodden community right? You are an SC right?” he asked on stage.

In yet another instance of DMK ministers abusing common people, DMK Minister Ponmudi yelled at a woman to ‘shut up’ when she came to him to express her grievances.

While speaking at a function, the DMK Minister made remarks in a belittling way while reminding women members in the audience about the ‘free bus scheme for women’ introduced by Stalin government.

“For you only 4000 rupees per card. Did he (Stalin) give or not? You got it right? Open your mouth and say. You got 4000 right? How are you going in bus today? If you want to go from here to Koyambedu or anywhere, you are going in ‘OC’ (free). You are going in ‘OC’ bus.”, he said.

Radio Silence From Feminist Champion The News Minute

The sacred symbols of the Hindu sects had been reduced to a sexual joke, and a woman—fictional or otherwise—was objectified in the process. In such moments, one expects India’s progressive media to respond swiftly and unequivocally. After all, ‘publications’ like The News Minute have built entire reputations championing against misogyny in public discourse.

Had this same language been used by a BJP politician, RSS member, or even a random sadhu, The News Minute’s newsroom would’ve sprung into action faster than you could say “patriarchy.”

• “Misogynistic mindsets in saffron.”
• “Hindutva’s dangerous view of women.”
• “Why BJP’s toxic masculinity threatens Indian democracy.”

We’ve seen similar headlines before. Often within hours of a clip going viral.

But when the misogyny and mockery flow from a Dravidian politician, whose party thrives on anti-Hindu rhetoric and cloaks itself in “social justice”? Suddenly, the outrage pipeline dries up.

As of 14 April 2025, The News Minute has published no original reporting, no editorial, and no opinion piece on this incident. Nothing condemning Ponmudy. Nothing defending the dignity of Hindu women, saints, or symbols. Just radio silence. Their only mention? A syndicated feed noting that the AIADMK Women’s Wing plans to protest the remark.

This Isn’t Just About Hinduphobia. It’s About Hypocrisy

It isn’t the first time progressive platforms have displayed such double standards, but the hypocrisy has rarely been this blatant. Misogyny, when cloaked in anti-Hindu sentiment or delivered by a minister from the Dravidian fold, seems to slip past their radar. The same media house that throws the book at a pro-Hindu speaker for calling out gender dynamics within religious spaces suddenly discovers the virtues of nuance and silence. The minister, a person of power, has sexualized the religious symbols of the majority population of the state and country and no one in the DMK leadership has apologized – the only action taken is stripping Ponmudy of his party post – very strong action!!

This controversy isn’t merely about anti-Hindu rhetoric. It reveals an uncomfortable truth about ideological tribalism in Indian media. For many in the so-called liberal press, the legitimacy of outrage depends less on what was said, and more on who said it. If the perpetrator is aligned with their political sympathies, the story dies a quiet death. But if it comes from a saffron-tinged corner of the spectrum, the reaction is swift, scathing, and sustained.

Misogyny/Hate Isn’t Partisan, TNM, Your Outrage Shouldn’t Be Either

In the case of Ponmudy, the silence from the likes of The News Minute speaks volumes. There has been no call for an apology. No feminist think piece. No panel discussion on the commodification of women in political speeches. For a media platform that claims to stand for women’s dignity and secular fairness, the refusal to cover this story is not just disappointing—it’s damning.

If The News Minute truly believes in the values it claims to uphold, it must show the courage to apply them consistently. Misogyny is misogyny, whether it comes wrapped in a saffron shawl or draped in Dravidian rhetoric. And if it lacks the spine to say so, then it must stop pretending it ever had one.

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The post Radio Silence From ‘Feminist Champion’ The News Minute On DMK Min Ponmudi’s Sexual Innuendos Against Hindus And Women appeared first on The Commune.

Following the conviction and sentencing of senior DMK leader and now dethroned Minister K. Ponmudi, BJP MLA from Coimbatore South has called for taking action against the errant judges who had acquitted him.

The Higher Education Minister, formerly in charge of Higher Education and Mineral Resources during the 2006-2011 DMK regime, received a three-year prison sentence along with a ₹50 lakh fine from the Madras High Court.

In a recent press release, Vanathi Srinivasan, emphasised that the judiciary’s decision, coming 12 years after the case was filed in 2011, instills confidence in the legal system. Despite Ponmudi’s acquittal by the Villupuram District Anti-Corruption Special Court, the Madras High Court’s conviction serves as a crucial lesson for individuals in power and public life.

The press release delves into another disproportionate asset case against Minister Ponmudi, which was initially pending in the Villupuram District Principal Court. The sudden transfer of the case to Vellore District Court, followed by an ex officio order by the Madras High Court in 2022, resulted in Ponmudi’s acquittal from the disproportionate asset charges.

Vanathi Srinivasan expressed concern over the controversy surrounding Ponmudi’s cases. Notably, the Madras High Court took up the case independently while another case was still pending, leading to Ponmudi’s conviction. A previous report from 17 August 2023 condemned what was described as an abuse of power to shield Ponmudi in one of the cases. The High Court was shocked by Ponmudi’s attempts to evade the corruption charges, utilising various means, including leveraging the power of the government.

ஊழல் வழக்கில் அமைச்சர் பொன்முடிக்கு மூன்றாண்டுகள் சிறை தண்டனை – ஊழல்வாதிகளுக்கு ஒரு பாடம்.

திமுக அமைச்சர்கள் மீதான ஊழல் வழக்கை திமுக கூட்டணி கட்சிகள் ஆட்சி செய்யாத வேறொரு மாநிலத்திற்கு மாற்ற வேண்டும்

2006-11 திமுக ஆட்சியில் உயர்கல்வி, கனிமவளத் துறை அமைச்சராக இருந்தபோது,… pic.twitter.com/jjRvBSRI3A

— Vanathi Srinivasan (@VanathiBJP) December 21, 2023

In her press release, Vanathi Srinivasan called attention to the need for a transfer of corruption cases involving DMK ministers. She cited the precedent set by the DMK itself during the case against Ms. Jayalalithaa, advocating for the transfer of her corruption case to Bengaluru during her tenure as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. With multiple ministers in the current DMK government facing corruption investigations, Vanathi Srinivasan proposed moving these cases to states where DMK alliance parties are not in power.

Speaking to reporters, the BJP woman leader also called for taking action against judges who had helped in getting the DMK Minister acquitted.

“The trials against Ponmudi was happening at Vizhuppuram court. That was transferred to another court through an administrative order. He did not ask for the case to be transferred. Nobody had petitioned to transfer the case from Vizhuppuram to another court. But those in power transferred and made a judge who was about to retire to hear the case and acquit him. Ministers, MPs, MLAs getting involved in corruption and convicted is one thing. On the other hand, action should be taken against those judges who are helping them.”, Vanathi Srinivasan said.

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Feature Image Courtesy: Vikatan

On Thursday (21 December 2023), the Madras High Court sentenced DMK minister K Ponmudy to three years in jail in a corruption case. A fine of ₹50 lakh has also been imposed on him However, he is not required to surrender immediately, as his jail term has been temporarily suspended for 30 days, providing him an opportunity to appeal his conviction in the Supreme Court.

Earlier on Tuesday (19 December 2023), the Madras High Court overturned a trial court’s decision to acquit DMK Minister for Higher Education K Ponmudi in the disproportionate case initiated against him.In response to an appeal by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Justice G Jayachandran, determined that the DMK minister had accumulated assets exceeding his known sources of income by 64.9% during his tenure as Minister for Mines and Minerals in the DMK government from 2006 to 2011.

The post DMK Minister Ponmudy Sentenced To 3 Years Jail In Corruption Case appeared first on The Commune.

The Madras High Court has overturned a trial court’s decision to acquit DMK Minister for Higher Education K Ponmudi in a disproportionate case initiated against him.

In response to an appeal by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Justice G Jayachandran, on Tuesday (19 December 2023), determined that the DMK minister had accumulated assets exceeding his known sources of income by 64.9% during his tenure as Minister for Mines and Minerals in the DMK government from 2006 to 2011.

The judge scheduled the pronouncement of the sentence for December 21, 2023, and instructed Ponmudi and his wife to appear before the court on that day.

In 2016, a special court under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) had acquitted Ponmudi and his wife P Visalatchi in the disproportionate assets case, initiated by the DVAC after the AIADMK assumed power in 2011.

The acquittal was based on the prosecution’s failure to establish the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Challenging this acquittal, the DVAC filed an appeal in 2017 before the High Court, alleging that the DMK leader had amassed ₹1.36 crore in assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Earlier the Madras High Court issued an order on 10 August 2023 that raised concerns about the manner in which District Judge Vellore had rendered a verdict acquitting DMK Minister Ponmudi and his spouse in a disproportionate assets case. Justice Anand Venkatesh utilized his suo motu revision powers to question the validity of transferring the case against the Higher Education Minister.

In a forceful and strongly-worded verdict, Venkatesh vehemently criticized the manner in which the disproportionate assets case involving Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy and his spouse P. Visalakshi was transferred from Villupuram District Court to Vellore District Court.

Justice Venkatesh stated in his order said, “It is evident that when a glaring illegality by a criminal court leads to a significant miscarriage of justice, it becomes the constitutional duty of the High Court to rectify the illegality and uphold the public’s trust in the criminal justice system.” He further emphasized that the narrative presented reveals an “alarming and deliberate effort to manipulate and undermine the criminal justice system. The perplexing and questionable transfer of the case followed by the trial and judgment by the Principal District Judge in Vellore are entirely unlawful and devoid of legal validity.”

BJP Tamil Nadu leader commenting on the recent judgement said “One DMK Minister without portfolio is already in Prison on charges of Corruption & the Higher Education Minister of TN, Thiru Ponmudi, is today convicted by the Madras High Court on Corruption charges. Incidentally, I.N.D.I. Alliance, the coming together of corrupt & dynasts, is meeting today & the TN CM is attending the meeting while people in South TN are battling for their lives.”

An edifice built over a false ideology, made corruption its way of life & suppressed voices of dissent through muscle power is falling like a House of Cards today.

One DMK Minister without portfolio is already in Prison on charges of Corruption & the Higher Education Minister…

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) December 19, 2023

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The post Madras High Court Overturns DMK Minister’s Acquittal In Disproportionate Assets Case appeared first on The Commune.