Supreme Court stays disproportionate assets proceedings against Tamil Nadu Minister Duraimurugan

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) stayed criminal proceedings against Tamil Nadu Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) general secretary Duraimurugan in a disproportionate assets case.

A Bench headed by Justice B.V. Nagarathna also issued notice to the Tamil Nadu government on the appeal filed by Mr. Duraimurugan against an order of the Madras High Court.

The Bench posted Mr. Duraimurugan’s appeal, represented by senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, next on April 20.

Also Read | Madras High Court dispenses with the appearance of Minister Duraimurugan, his wife before special court in Chennai

Mr. Duraimurugan is accused of holding disproportionate assets to the tune of ₹3.92 crore in his name and those of his relatives during his tenure as the Public Works Department (PWD) Minister between 1996 and 2001.

A Special Court had discharged the Minister, his wife and brothers and D.M. Kathir Anand (the Lok Sabha MP from Vellore currently) and daughter-in-law K. Sangeetha from the case registered in 2002 under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption had filed revision petitions in March 2012. The High Court had directed the Special Court to frame charges in the case.

Last month, the High Court had extended by six months the time limit for completion of trial in the disproportionate assets cases against Mr. Duraimurugan, who is the State Water Resources Minister, and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam and their family members.