Ponmudi was the Minister for Higher Education in the DMK government from 2006 to 2011. At that time, the Villupuram district anti-corruption department of the Tamil Nadu government, under the AIADMK government, registered a case against Ponmudi and his wife Vishalathchi, alleging that he had amassed assets in excess of his income.
The special court that heard the case acquitted Ponmudi and his wife in 2016. The anti-corruption department challenged this verdict during the AIADMK regime.
While the appeal was pending, the High Court Judge Jayachandran overturned the acquittal of Ponmudi and Vishalathchi on December 20, 2023, and declared them guilty.
The details of the punishment in this case will be announced tomorrow. Senior journalist Tharasu Shyam said that Ponmudi has lost his qualification to be an MLA under the People’s Representation Act since the court declared him guilty under the Prevention of Corruption Act for amassing assets in excess of his income.
Possible scenarios
There are two possible scenarios that could unfold after Ponmudi is sentenced:
Ponmudi is sentenced to imprisonment for more than two years. In this case, he would automatically lose his seat as an MLA under the People’s Representation Act.
Ponmudi is sentenced to imprisonment for less than two years or is fined. In this case, he would not automatically lose his seat as an MLA. However, he could be disqualified by the Assembly Speaker if he is found guilty of moral turpitude.
What is likely to happen?
It is difficult to say for sure what is likely to happen. However, it is worth noting that the High Court has already declared Ponmudi guilty of corruption. This would be a major blow to the DMK government, and it is likely that they would want to distance themselves from Ponmudi.
It is also worth noting that the People’s Representation Act is a strict law that was designed to prevent corrupt politicians from holding office. It is possible that the Assembly Speaker would disqualify Ponmudi even if he is only sentenced to imprisonment for less than two years.
In the end, it will be up to the Assembly Speaker to decide whether or not to disqualify Ponmudi. However, it is clear that the outcome of this case could have a significant impact on the DMK government.