The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), Chennai, on Wednesday filed its objections against the suspension of the sentence imposed on AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case and her release on bail.
Following this, vacation judge Justice Rathnakala adjourned the hearing on the appeals while observing, “in my considered view the appeals should be heard by a regular bench.” The Court said that the appeals would be posted for hearing on October 7 if Monday (October 6) happens to be a holiday. A notification for a holiday on October 6 for Bakrid is yet to be issued by the State government.
In its response to the appeals filed by Ms. Jayalalithaa and the other accused challenging their conviction and sentence, the DVAC said, “Ms. Jayalalithaa is a very influential person,” and it may not be possible to secure her for serving sentence once she was released from the prison on bail.
TN appoints SPP
G. Bhavani Singh, who was the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) appointed by the Karnataka government to conduct the trial of the case before the Special Court, filed the objections as the Tamil Nadu government, through the DVAC, on Tuesday appointed him as the SPP for conducting the case before the High Court.
While opposing the plea of Ms. Jayalalithaa for staying her conviction, it has been contended in the objection that Section 389 of the Code of Criminal Procedure does not give powers to courts to stay the conviction, but power is vested with the courts to suspend execution of sentence and release of convict on bail.
Delayed
Earlier, advocates representing Ms. Jayalalithaa and her convicted aides were taken by surprise due to the absence of Mr. Singh when the judge wanted to know why Mr. Singh, who had appeared yesterday, was not present in the Court. As the convicts’ advocates told the Court that Mr. Singh was expected.
However, the confusion was put to rest as Mr. Singh entered the court by then.