Convict Queen
Though AIADMK leader Jayalalitha was debarred from contesting the elections on grounds of her conviction in a corruption case, she was sworn in as chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Will her aggressive game plan work? And should popular mandate overrule judicial verdicts?

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COVER STORY: JAYALALITHA

OPINION

G.V.G. Krishnamurthy, former election commissioner
Her swearing-in is a slap on the face of courts

You are speaking to a man pained by the developments in Tamil Nadu. Jayalalitha's swearing-in is a slap on the face of courts. It shows that convictions have become a matter of convenience in this country. Why bother sending a thief to jail if you will allow a convicted criminal to become chief minister? Why bother fighting corruption? Why have the Prevention of Corruption Act? Is it meant only for bureaucrats while politicians get away? No democracy can be based on convicted persons holding office. A lawmaker ceases to be one the moment he breaks the law. To suggest otherwise is to make a laughing stock of democracy.

The circular that the EC issued in August 1997 was only clarifying the RPA provisions and required the candidate to file an affidavit stating that he was not a convict or his conviction had been stayed by a court. If antecedents of passport applicants are verified, surely the background of an aspiring legislator must be scrutinised and known.

THE JAYA IMPACT

ON LALOO YADAV: The former chief minister of Bihar resigned after he was chargesheeted in the fodder scandal. If convicted Jayalalitha can be chief minister, why can't he hope to regain his seat?

ON R. BALAKRISHNA PILLAI: The Kerala Congress (B) MLA is also a convict and hoped to become a minister, but Governor S.S. Kang prevailed upon him not to. So his son joined the UDF Government.

ON THE BJP: Since the Congress supports Jayalalitha, its demand that ministers chargesheeted in Ayodhya case resign will be weakened.

ON THE CONGRESS: Fewer fears on the Bofors front. If things get hot, simply declare it "political vendetta" and go to the "people's court".

PREVIOUS CASES

Of the 14 cases filed against her, AIADMK General Secretary J. Jayalalitha has been convicted in three cases and acquitted in one. All cases pertain to her tenure as chief minister from 1991 to1996.

1 & 2. TANSI LAND DEAL CASES: There are two cases against Jayalalitha-Jaya Publications case and Sasi Enterprises case. Government land was bought at a suspiciously low price causing a loss of Rs 3 crore to the exchequer. The Special Court sentenced Jayalalitha on October 9, 2000 to three years' RI and fined Rs 10,000 in the Jaya case. In the Sasi case, she was sentenced to two-years' RI and fined Rs 5,000.

Status: Jayalalitha's appeals against the judgement are pending before the Madras High Court.

3. PLEASANT STAY HOTEL CASE: The case relates to Jayalalitha granting permission for the construction of a seven-storey hotel in Kodaikanal in violation of government rules. The Special Court convicted her on February 2, 2000 and sentenced her to two separate one-year imprisonments running concurrently.

Status: Jayalalitha's appeal is pending in the Madras High Court.

4. COLOUR TV CASE: Jayalalitha was alleged to have taken a bribe for purchasing 40,000 colour TV sets for distribution to panchayats. On May 30, 2000, the Special Court acquitted Jayalalitha.

Status: The Tamil Nadu Government's appeal is pending in the Madras High Court.

The remaining cases:

5. RS 28.28-CRORE SPIC DISINVESTMENT CASE: Pending in Special Court.

6. COAL IMPORT DEAL CASE: Pending in Special Court.

7. RS 66.65-CRORE DISPROPORTIONATE WEALTH CASE: Trial on in Special Court.

8. US $ 3 LAKH GIFT CASE: Trial pending in Special Court.

9. RS 2-CRORE MEENA ADVERTISING CASE: Investigating agencies yet to file a chargesheet.

10. GRANITE QUARRYING SCANDAL: The CB-CID is expecting the mandatory clearance from Tamil Nadu Governor M. Fathima Beevi to file the chargesheet.

11 & 12. INCOME TAX CASES: Two cases are pending in the Economic Offences Court for not filing income-tax returns properly.

13. ATTACK ON AUDITOR: The criminal case is pending in the Metropolitan Magistrate's court.

14. UK HOTELS CASE: The latest Rs 43.98 crore case filed against Jayalalitha is still pending in Special Court.

MetroScape

Delhi Cinema:
"Flicks Down Under"

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Karma

Kolkata Restaurant:
Teej

The Madhya Pradesh governor orders a CBI inquiry into a land allotment by the chief minister to the Nai Duniya group, kicking off a constitutional crisis. INDIA TODAY Special Correspondent Neeraj Mishra reports in
Conflict Of Interest.