Two Tamil Nadu Ministers quit after court remarks.

 (Source – Page 1, The Hindu International Edition)

Background

• V. Senthilbalaji: Former Electricity Minister, earlier arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case.
• K. Ponmudy: Forest Minister, facing judicial scrutiny over derogatory speeches targeting religious groups and women.
• Both continued in office even after serious court criticisms, raising questions about standards in public life.

Judicial Observations

• The Supreme Court criticized Senthilbalaji’s reinstatement after bail, stating that his continuation undermined public trust and court orders.
• The Madras High Court directed a suo motu writ petition against Ponmudy for making derogatory remarks, affecting communal harmony.

Important Points

• Supreme Court Bench led by Justices A.S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan observed misuse of liberty granted by bail.
• High Court called for disqualification proceedings against Ponmudy under constitutional morality standards.

Constitutional and Legal Principles Involved

• Article 164(1): Ministers hold office at the pleasure of the Governor, based on CM’s advice.
• Article 21: Senthilbalaji’s bail initially granted on personal liberty grounds, but misuse noted later.
• Supreme Court Rulings:
  • Association for Democratic Reforms (2002): Importance of clean candidates and transparency.
  • Public Interest Foundation v. Union of India (2018): Urged political parties to avoid candidates with criminal backgrounds.
• Judicial emphasis on “institutional integrity” of public offices.

Executive Response

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recommended the resignations to Governor R.N. Ravi.
• Mano Thangaraj to be sworn in as a new Minister.
• Interim charge of portfolios reallocated:
  • Milk and Dairy Development Minister R.S. Rajakannappan: Forest Department.
  • Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar: Electricity Department.
  • Housing Minister S. Muthusamy: Prohibition and Excise.

Ethical and Governance Issues

• Ethical Governance: Ministers must uphold public confidence.
• Constitutional Morality: Public servants are expected to maintain dignity and communal harmony.
• Judiciary’s Activism: Role of courts in ensuring responsible conduct of elected representatives without overstepping into executive domain.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• Strengthening Norms: Political parties must develop internal mechanisms to bar tainted individuals from executive posts.
• Codification of Standards: There is a need for a stricter code of conduct for ministers at both Union and State levels.
• Public Vigilance and Judicial Oversight: Must continue to act as checks to ensure accountability in governance.
• Reinforcement of Democratic Values: Upholding ethics, transparency, and non-discrimination in public office is crucial for the legitimacy of Indian democracy.