The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed the proceedings in a special court against Tamil Nadu's Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, I. Periyasamy, in a disproportionate assets case. This stay pertains to the allegations leveled against Periyasamy and his family members.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has stayed the proceedings in a special court against Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and Tamil Nadu Minister I. Periyasamy and his family members in a case involving assets disproportionate to his known income, amounting to over ₹2.1 crore. A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and A.G. Masih also issued a notice on August 18, 2025, in the matter.
Supreme Court Order
The bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and A.G. Masih of the Supreme Court issued a notice in this matter on August 18. The court clarified that the proceedings pending before the Chief Judicial Magistrate cum Associate Special Judge under the Prevention of Corruption Act in Dindigul will remain stayed.
This order comes in the wake of Periyasamy's appeal challenging the Madras High Court's decision on April 28. The High Court had directed the special court to frame charges against him and his family members.
Previous High Court Decision in Disproportionate Assets Case
The Madras High Court passed the order on petitions filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). The DVAC had challenged the High Court's order acquitting Periyasamy and his family members in the case. However, the High Court dismissed the DVAC's challenge and directed the special court to complete the trial within six months, conducting hearings on a daily basis.
Periyasamy is accused of acquiring assets worth ₹2.1 crore in his name and in the names of his family members between 2006 and 2010, while he was a minister, which were disproportionate to his known sources of income. His wife, P. Sushila, and sons, P. Senthilkumar and P. Prabhu, are also named in this case. The DVAC filed an appeal in the High Court in 2018, challenging the order acquitting Periyasamy. Periyasamy is currently serving as the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, and Panchayat Unions in the DMK government.
Periyasamy's Reaction
The political and legal significance of this case is considerable. A case of disproportionate assets against a sitting minister can impact political credibility and administrative transparency. The Supreme Court's stay order not only reduces the impact on the minister's tenure but also conveys a message of maintaining balance in the hearing process determined by the court.
The directive to the special court to complete the hearing in six months ensures that the case is disposed of expeditiously, while also ensuring that justice is not delayed for the accused. Following this order, Periyasamy welcomed the court's decision and stated that it is a step that maintains faith in the law and judicial process. He said that he would now be able to focus on discharging his duties and development works in the region.
