Chennai, June 13
The Madras High Court today held that prima facie there was sufficient material on record to take action against AIADMK supremo J. Jayalalithaa for filing false declaration before the electoral authorities.
It directed the Election Commission (EC) to initiate action against her in accordance with law within a period of six weeks.
The direction came following a complaint by DMK MP C. Kuppusamy, who said Jayalalithaa during the 2001polls had filed “false affidavits” and suppressed the fact that she had filed nominations from four constituencies.
The High Court Bench comprising Justice Dharmarao Elipe and Justice S. Palanivelu, while allowing the public interest litigation petition strongly condemned Jayalalithaa’s conduct.
The judges observed: “Persons holding high offices/positions should be role models to the general public. If they venture to commit flagrant violations of the rules and laws made, that too knowingly, as in this case, it should not be taken lightly, sending wrong signals to the public that laws are meant only for the general public and not for the bigwigs, who can go scot-free”.
They also criticised the EC and stated: “In the strong opinion of this court, the respondents, including the Election Commission of India, have not acted in the manner required by law. This court is able to find delay at each and every stage of the consideration of the representations of the petitioner and others against Jayalalithaa”.
Kuppuswamy had stated that Jayalalithaa had filed a “false affidavit” saying she had filed papers from only two constituencies but despite his complaint to the EC it did not take any action against her and as such he moved the High Court in 2002. Following the High Court order, the EC said today it would act on it.
