New Delhi: In a huge relief to SRM University chancellor T.R. Pachamuthu, Supreme Court on Friday asked Madras high court to quash criminal proceedings initiated against him at the instance of 136 claimants, who had paid money-seeking admission in the college, on condition that they will get back their money.
A Bench of Justices A.K. Sikri and Ashok Bhushan passed this order on an appeal filed by Pachamuthu challenging Madras high court order while releasing him on bail. He was granted bail on deposit of a sum of Rs 75 crore and on execution of a bank guarantee of Rs 10 crore and he complied with the order.
Appearing for the appellant, senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi submitted that his client had paid the aforesaid amount in order to show his bona fide without admitting any fault on his behalf.
On behalf of the claimants it was agreed that they would have no objection for quashing of FIR against Pachamuthu if they received the money as directed by the high court.
Taking note of this submission, the Bench in its order said the cash deposit lying in the credit of CCB before the XI Metropolitan Magistrate, Saidapet, Chennai, shall be utilised for the purpose of disbursing the amount to the 136 claimants.
The bench appointed former Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Paul Vasanthakumar as the commissioner to determine the amount due to each of the 136 claimants based on satisfactory receipts and the amounts indicated in the list.
The Bench asked the XI Metropolitan Magistrate, Saidapet, Chennai, to remain present along with the commissioner during disbursement along with necessary staffs for assistance. It is will be open to the commissioner to fix the date, time and venue for such disbursement and the investigating officer would assist him. Mr Pachamuthu will initially pay a sum of '5 lakh as remuneration to Justice Vasanthakumar.
