Madras HC rejects plea to order CBI probe into Jayalalithaa's death
Chennai, Nov. 17: The Madras High Court on Thursday held that the PIL petition seeking CBI probe into the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's death at a corporate hospital here in 2016, is not maintainable.
The first bench of Acting Chief Justice T Raja and Justice D Krishnakumar, before which the petition from social and spiritual activist R R Gopaljee came up for hearing today, dismissed the petition after directing him to exhaust the remedy of making representations to the CBI and other connected agencies.
According to petitioner, Justice Arumugasamy Inquiry Commission in its report submitted to the Tamil Nadu government on August 23 this year, had raised various questions of pertinence while finding certain persons to be involved in conspiracy, fault, lapse, criminality and ordered investigation to bring out the truth regarding the unfortunate demise of the former Chief Minister.
Amongst others, it had categorically stated that the whole line of treatment was shrouded in secrecy and there was lack of transparency, as much as there was no authentic and reliable disclosure of facts pertaining to her exact health condition and the course of treatment, which necessitated investigation.
The report had indicted the former CM's close friend V K Sasikala and ordered investigation of others involved in the treatment. It included the then Health minister C Vijayabaskar, Health secretary J Radhakrishnan, the then Chief Secretary Rama Mohana Rao and hospital chairman Dr Pratap C Reddy.
The panel was constituted by the previous AIADMK government to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of Jayalalithaa.
The bench said that the petition is not maintainable, as the petitioner had not approached the CBI and others with representations before filing the PIL.
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Ex-BJP MLA Raghupati Bhat turns rebel, to contest council election independently in Karnataka
Udupi (PTI): Striking a rebellious note, former BJP MLA from Udupi Raghupati Bhat has announced his decision to contest the upcoming MLC elections on June 3 as an independent candidate, representing the South-West Graduates' constituency.
Bhat has expressed his intent to stand as "a representative of party workers in the region".
He had been sulking ever since the BJP denied him a ticket in the 2023 Assembly election and fielded Yashpal Suvarna who won the election.
Bhat had turned emotional in public in 2023 when the BJP did not field him but announced supporting Suvarna.
The rebel BJP leader was expecting an MLC ticket for the Karantaka South West Graduates' constituency and had lobbied hard for it but the party decided to field Dr Dhananjaya Sarji.
Reflecting on his journey, Bhat on Monday highlighted his role in supporting the party candidate during the Assembly elections and securing a significant lead in votes.
The rebel leader expressed disappointment with the party's decision to award the MLC ticket to Dhananjay Sarji, a recent entrant to the party, over deserving senior candidates, including himself.
He was expecting support of 38,000 new voters who he claimed he had previously enrolled.
While reaffirming his allegiance to the BJP, Bhat clarified that his decision to contest independently stemmed from his commitment to the welfare of teachers and graduates.
He acknowledged assurances from senior BJP leaders regarding his candidature but remained resolute in his stance.
With nominations set to be filed on May 16, Bhat asserted that he would not retract his decision despite potential consequences.
Emphasising his respect for the BJP flag and expressing confidence in his victory, he reiterated his dedication to supporting the party even if successful as an independent candidate.
Bhat concluded by expressing hope for reconciliation with the BJP in future elections, affirming his identity as a BJP leader and commitment to serving the interests of his constituents.
