The Supreme Court on Monday stayed trial proceedings against Tamil Nadu Minister Durai Murugan. The case concerns allegations of disproportionate assets. Murugan currently serves as Minister for Water Resources under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Durai Murugan Disproportionate Assets Case Before Supreme Court
A Bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan heard the matter. The Court issued notice on Murugan’s delay condonation application and Special Leave Petition (SLP). The SLP challenges a Madras High Court judgment that set aside his discharge.
The Court directed that no further proceedings shall continue. It fixed April 20, 2026, as the next date of hearing.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for Murugan. He requested a stay on trial proceedings. He also informed the Court that Murugan had received similar relief in another case.
Singhvi explained the delay in filing the SLP. The High Court passed its order in April 2025, but Murugan filed the SLP in February 2026. He stated that Murugan is 87 years old and recently suffered a hip fracture.
Background of the Durai Murugan Disproportionate Assets Case
The case relates to alleged acquisition of assets between 1996 and 2001. During this period, Murugan served as Minister for Public Works and Forest Department.
The State alleged that he acquired properties in his name and in the names of his wife and son. It filed a chargesheet under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The Special Court had earlier discharged Murugan. The State then challenged this decision before the Madras High Court.
Murugan opposed the State’s challenge. He argued that the prosecution wrongly included properties of other accused. He also stated that he did not acquire any property during the check period. In addition, he claimed that the case was politically motivated.
Madras High Court Order in the Durai Murugan Disproportionate Assets Case
The High Court held that these issues require trial. It stated that courts cannot assess evidence at the stage of framing charges. Instead, courts must accept the prosecution’s material as true at this stage.
The High Court found fault with the Special Court’s approach. It noted that the Special Court discharged the accused without framing charges. It also observed that the prosecution did not get an opportunity to present its case.
Further, the High Court held that the Special Judge interpreted facts independently. It described the reasons for discharge as perverse.
The Court found that the material disclosed a prima facie case. It set aside the discharge order. It directed the Special Court to frame charges and proceed with the trial.
Since the allegations relate to 1996–2001, the High Court directed speedy disposal. It ordered the trial to conclude within six months.
Supreme Court Stay in Durai Murugan Disproportionate Assets Case
The Supreme Court has now stayed the trial. The stay will continue until the next hearing on April 20, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: Durai Murugan v. State of Tamil Nadu
Case No.: Diary No. 12540 / 2026
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