Ponmudy DA case: HC impleads Registrar-General

In a significant development, the Madras High Court has taken decisive actions in the suo motu criminal revision related to the discharge of Minister K Ponmudy from a disproportionate asset (DA) case. The court has impleaded the Registrar-General, considering the administrative transfer of the case file from the Principal District Court, Villupuram, to the Principal District Court, Vellore. Justice G Jayachandran, noting the administrative order for the transfer, emphasized the indispensability of the Registrar-General’s involvement in the proceedings. This move underscores the complexity and administrative nuances involved in the DA case against Minister Ponmudy. Moreover, the court has acknowledged the demand from Ponmudy and other accused parties to receive the response filed by the judicial officer who acquitted them. The judge directed the registry to ensure the response is served to the accused, highlighting the importance of transparency and enabling an effective defense. “Undoubtedly, the response should be made known to the accused so that effective submissions of defense can be put forth by them,” remarked Justice Jayachandran, emphasizing the need for fairness in the legal process. Minister Ponmudy and his wife, Visalatchi, sought to serve the response filed by the judicial officer and urged the court to implead the Registrar-General, given the administrative transfer of the case file. The suo motu criminal revision, initiated by Justice N Anand Venkatesh on August 10, scrutinizes the acquittal of Ponmudy and other accused from the 2002 DA case. The judge expressed serious concerns about the manner in which the acquittal transpired, characterizing it as a “shocking and calculated attempt to manipulate and subvert the criminal justice system.”