(Image source from: Jayalalithaa's bail plea rejected in DA case})
Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa's bail plea in the disproportionate assets case has been rejected by the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday. Jayalalithaa's bail was rejected by the court citing Supreme Court directive that corruption cases should be put on fast track.
The high court rejected her bail even though the prosecution said it had no objections to conditional bail.
On September 27 Jayalalithaa was handed a sentence of four years in prison by a special court in the Rs.66-crore disproportionate assets' case. She was also awarded a fine of Rs.100 crore. Jayalalithaa was charged under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
A high court bench headed by Justice A.V. Chandrashekara was hearing Jayalalithaa's bail petition. Noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani was represented her, seeking revision of the sentence and bail from jail.
Justice A V Chandrashekhra reportedly stated that there was no ground for bail to Jayalalithaa as she has been charged, convicted and sentenced under corruption, which is a violation of human rights.
Jethmalani reportedly sought immediate bail for Jayalalithaa on health grounds, citing diabetes, low blood pressure and acute back pain. Besides Jethmalani argued that his client was 66 years.
During his 90-minute deposition, Jethmalani tried to assure the judge that Jayalalithaa was willing to accept conditional bail. He even said that his client was a former chief minister and there were no chances of her disappearance or escape from the country.
However the special public prosecutor G. Bhavani Singh, strongly opposed the bail plea saying Jayalalithaa was powerful (being AIADMK supremo) and had the potential to influence witness and tamper with evidence if set free.
Following Jayalalithaa's bail plea rejection there have been reports of violence across Tamil Nadu. Bangalore Commissioner of Police MN Reddi tweeted: "J Jayalalithaa's bail plea rejected. However situation under control near central prison. Police forces increased & are watchful."
(AW: Pratima Tigga)
