Chennai, Apr 16:
The Madras High Court has granted an interim stay on trial proceedings in a disproportionate assets case pending before a Thoothukudi court against Tamil Nadu Minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan.
The order was passed after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed the court that despite its petition seeking transfer of the case to a Special PMLA Court in Madurai, the trial in Thoothukudi was continuing.
The case dates back to allegations that Radhakrishnan had amassed wealth disproportionate to known sources of income. At the time of contesting the 2001 Assembly elections from Tiruchendur, when he was with the AIADMK, the total value of assets held by him and his family was stated to be ₹23.36 lakh.
In 2019, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) registered a disproportionate assets case against him and his family members. The matter is currently under trial in Thoothukudi.
Subsequently, in 2025, the ED initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and filed a complaint before the Special Court in Madurai, seeking to link the alleged assets case with money laundering charges.
The ED later moved the High Court seeking transfer of the trial from Thoothukudi to Madurai. During the hearing, it argued that continuation of trial proceedings in Thoothukudi while the transfer plea was pending could lead to complications, and sought an interim stay.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice S. A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan recorded the submissions. The DVAC sought time to file a counter affidavit detailing the status of the trial.
The bench adjourned the matter to April 30 and granted an interim stay on further proceedings in the Thoothukudi court until then.