Former TN CM appears in special courts

CHENNAI, June 25: The former TN CM, J Jayalalitha, today appeared before three special courts set up to try various cases against her, after the High Court declined to pass an order dispensing with her presence in court. She received copies of the charge sheet and other documents regarding the disproportionate wealth case. The other main accused, her confidante, N Sasikala, the latter’s nephew and Jayalalitha’s disowned foster son V N Sudhagaran, and Sasikala’s relative Ilavarasi, were all present at the courts. Jayalalitha, who maintained her composure throughout the proceedings, was cheered on arrival by slogan-shouting members of her AIADMK party. The other cases against the former CM are the Kodaikanal Pleasant Stay Hotel case and the TANSI land deal case. While she need not appear before the special court in connection with two cases, Jayalalitha and the other accused have to appear before the Special Court II again on July 17 in connection with the Pleasant Stay Hotel case.