Overview
- Murugan’s appeal, heard Wednesday by Justices B. V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan, led to an interim stay on all trial‑court proceedings with notice issued and the next hearing set for April 20.
- The stay arises from his challenge to an April 2025 Madras High Court ruling that overturned a 2007 discharge, directed the special court to frame charges, and set a six‑month trial timeline later extended.
- Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi sought the pause, citing Murugan’s age of 87, a recent hip fracture, and similar relief he received in a related matter.
- Prosecutors allege about ₹3.92 crore in assets disproportionate to known income during Murugan’s 1996–2001 tenure as Public Works Minister, charged under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
- The case also names his wife D. Santhakumari, son and Vellore MP D. M. Kathir Anand, brother Durai Singaram, and daughter‑in‑law K. Sangeetha, reflecting a prosecution first registered in 2002 that has spanned multiple courts.