The Supreme Court on Monday has issued a directive to the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, instructing to decide on listing a suo moto revision against the discharge of Tamil Nadu Minister KKSSR Ramachandran and his wife in a disproportionate assets case.

The case had previously been scheduled for a final hearing by a single bench of the High Court, but concerns were raised regarding the procedure followed. Senior Advocates Abhishek Singhvi and Sidharth Luthra, representing the petitioner, argued that the case had been taken up by a single judge without the necessary approval from the Chief Justice.

Acknowledging these concerns, a bench led by Justice Hrishikesh Roy observed that the judge handling the matter could have directed the registry to obtain the Chief Justice's orders for the suo moto revision. Instead, the registry was instructed to let the judge handle the case directly. Justice Roy commented, "These are High Court judges; let us not make any comment. Let the Chief Justice decide."

During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the High Court, informed the Supreme Court that the Chief Justice's approval had indeed been granted, alleviating concerns raised by the petitioner.

The Supreme Court clarified that it was not delving into the merits of the observations made by the judge who handled the suo moto matter on the discharge order passed by the principal sessions judge. The court emphasized that the matter would be considered by a judge of the High Court.

In its directive, the Supreme Court stated, "Considering the circumstances here, after considering submissions made, we deem it appropriate to say that the suo moto matter should be considered by the Chief Justice. He may either proceed to take up the matter himself or may assign it to a judge of the High Court. Thereafter, the matter may proceed on merits."

The court underscored that its order should not be misconstrued as making comments on the concerned judge who initially handled the suo moto matter. This directive aims to ensure a proper and transparent legal process in the ongoing case against the Tamil Nadu Minister and his wife. The Chief Justice now holds the responsibility to decide on the listing and subsequent proceedings, either personally or by assigning it to a judge of the High Court.