<span style="color: #222222;">Madras High Court has sentenced DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister K Ponmudy and his wife to three years in prison and imposed a fine of 50 lakh rupees in a disproportionate assets case. The Madras High Court had set aside a trial court order two days ago to convict the DMK leader and his wife in a 1.75-crore rupees disproportionate assets case. But he need not surrender yet since his jail term has been suspended for 30 days to allow him to appeal his conviction in higher court. Ponmudy ceases to be a minister after his conviction. Ponmudy's portfolio of higher education has been allocated to Raja Kannappan, who is Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, and Khadi and Village Industries.</span><br />