The situation between the Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Chief Minister MK Stalin regarding the swearing-in of former Minister K Ponmudy as a Cabinet Minister has escalated into a conflict. Governor Ravi has declined Chief Minister Stalin's request to swear in Ponmudy despite the Supreme Court's stay on his conviction in a disproportionate assets case.
Governor Ravi's refusal to comply with the Chief Minister's request has sparked controversy, with some accusing him of disregarding the Constitution. DMK MP and Supreme Court advocate P Wilson criticized Governor Ravi's interpretation of the Supreme Court's order, stating that the suspension of Ponmudy's conviction was intended to prevent his disqualification from holding office as a Minister and MLA.
Ponmudy was reinstated as an MLA following the Supreme Court's order, and the notification declaring his Tirukoyilur Assembly constituency vacant was revoked. However, Governor Ravi's decision not to swear him in as a Cabinet Minister has reignited the debate over the issue.
The disproportionate assets case against Ponmudy and his wife dates back to 2002, and they were convicted by the Madras High Court in December 2023. While Ponmudy's wife's sentence was also suspended by the Supreme Court, allowing her to seek bail, Ponmudy's conviction was stayed to prevent his disqualification from holding public office.
