SC refuses to stay Ponmudy’s conviction

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant an interim stay on the 3-year jail sentence imposed by the Madras High Court on former Tamil Nadu Minister K Ponmudy and his P Vishalatchi in the disproportionate assets case. The Apex court has also ordered notice to the Tamil Nadu Anti-Corruption Bureau – Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) to respond to Ponmudy’s case within 4 weeks. The Supreme Court is likely to look into the imposing of an interim ban in the case, only after revising the DVAC’s statement. It is worth noting that Ponmudy can continue as a legislator only if he obtains a stay from the Supreme Court against the conviction order in the ongoing appeal case. The Madras High Court sentenced the then Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy to 3 years of simple imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case on December 21, last year. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50 lakhs each on Ponmudy and his wife Vishalatchi. However, the court suspended the sentence for 30 days, allowing for the convicts to appeal to the Supreme Court. The judgment was pronounced in the Suo Motu revision taken up against Pomudy’s acquittal from disproportionate assets case by the district court termed as the most damaging bid to manipulate the justice system.