Bengaluru court to transfer 27 kg of Jayalalithaa's jewellery to Tamil Nadu govt

New Delhi: The 36th city civil court in Bengaluru made a significant announcement on Monday regarding the transfer of 27kg of gold and diamond jewellery, once owned by the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, to the state's home secretary. This move marks the initiation of the final legal process aimed at liquidating her assets to meet the Rs 100 crore fine imposed on her.

Judicial procedure

The decision comes nearly a decade after Jayalalithaa's conviction and subsequent sentencing to four years in prison in a corruption case, and over seven years following her demise. Presently, the special court is focusing on auctioning both movable and immovable assets associated with Jayalalithaa. The planned auction of the jewellery will precede the auctioning of her immovable assets. Of the total jewellery, 20 kg will be sold to satisfy the fine, while 7kg is exempted as it is considered inherited from her mother.

Legal formalities

Canfin Homes Ltd, where Jayalalithaa held an account, has already remitted close to Rs 60 lakh to the Bengaluru special court as part of the legal proceedings. Special Judge Mohan, overseeing the case, issued directives for the Tamil Nadu government to send the state home secretary and an inspector-general of police from the directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC) to Bengaluru on March 6 and 7. They are instructed to bring along necessary equipment including a photographer, videographer, and six large trunks for the collection of the jewellery.

Security measures

To ensure the safe transfer of assets, the judge instructed the registrar of the city civil court to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies for adequate security arrangements during the handover process.

Legal background

New Delhi: In September 2014, Special Judge John Michael D'Cunha convicted Jayalalithaa, along with three others, in a comprehensive judgment. Although the Karnataka High Court acquitted them in May 2015, the Supreme Court reinstated the lower court's verdict on February 14, 2017. However, due to Jayalalithaa's demise, the charges against her were nullified, while the other three individuals were required to serve their four-year prison sentences and pay fines.

The decision to transfer Jayalalithaa's jewellery represents a significant step in the legal process aimed at resolving the financial penalties imposed on her. As legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders anticipate the efficient execution of asset liquidation to address the outstanding fines.