HC suspends order imprisoning former TN Assembly Speaker

The judge also ordered notice to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, returnable in three weeks.

In his appeal, Muthiah, AIADMK treasurer and former Union Minister, contended that the entire verdict of the trial judge, who had not examined certain witnesses despite the supreme court permitting it, was invalid. The non-examination of loanees and persons who had given gifts to his daughters on certain occasions, had affected the defence case adversely, he said.

The trial judge had suspended implementation of the sentence till April 10 to enable Muthiah and his sons to appeal to the High Court against their conviction.