K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran.
In a significant legal development, the Madras High Court on August 7, 2024, reopened two high-profile disproportionate assets cases involving Revenue Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu. This move came as the court reversed the previous discharge orders concerning allegations dating back to 2011 and 2012.
Justice N. Anand Venkatesh annulled a July 20, 2023, order from a special court discharging Ramachandran, his wife R. Adhilakshmi, and their associate K.S.P. Shanmugamoorthy. The case has now been restored to the special court, which is mandated to frame charges and proceed according to legal norms.
Justice Venkatesh emphasized that the discharge petitions filed by the accused would be dismissed and ordered all three to appear before the special court on September 9, 2024, to furnish a bond. He insisted on a swift, day-to-day trial schedule to expedite the legal process.
In separate proceedings concerning Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, the court reiterated its focus on upholding the law, referencing a quote about the inescapable reach of legal proceedings. The judge set aside a discharge order from December 12, 2022, and directed that the trial on the allegations of disproportionate assets commence promptly, with the accused required to present themselves to the special court by September 11, 2024.
Both ministers’ cases emphasize the judiciary’s commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring accountability among public officials while navigating the complexities of legal procedures.
