Tamil Nadu Governor Ravi inducts DMK leader K Ponmudy after Supreme Court rap

DMK leader K Ponmudy was re-inducted into Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's cabinet by Governor TN Ravi on March 22nd.

This came after the Supreme Court warned the governor for refusing to administer the oath of office to Ponmudy as Higher Education Minister, citing constitutional morality.

Ponmudi was disqualified on December 21, 2023, when the Madras High Court convicted and sentenced him to three years imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case. But on March 11, the top court suspended the conviction.

Stalin has recommended to Ravi to induct Ponmudy in the state cabinet and allocate him the subjects Higher Education including Technical Education, Electronics, Science and Technology currently held by Backward Classes Minister R S Rajakannappan.

"The Hon'ble Governor has approved the recommendation. The swearing-in ceremony of the minister designate will be held today (March 22) at 3.30 pm at the Raj Bhavan," the release said.

On Thursday, the apex Court had voiced "serious concern" over the conduct of Ravi for his refusal to reinduct Ponmudy as a minister in the state cabinet even after it suspended his earlier conviction. The SC had directed the Governor to decide on the issue within 24 hours.