The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : “File affidavit on security extended to Jayalalithaa”

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 25, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

“File affidavit on security extended to Jayalalithaa”

Special Correspondent

Matter adjourned to October 26
“Constitutional duty to provide security to a former Chief Minister”

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Government to file an affidavit on security measures extended to former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa who is entitled to Z Plus security.

Justice K. Suguna, before whom a writ petition filed by Ms. Jayalalithaa seeking a direction to provide her the security required to be given to a person under Z Plus category came up for admission, adjourned the matter to October 26.

In his submissions, Advocate-General R. Viduthalai said the State-level review committee was scheduled to meet on October 26 pursuant to the representations given by the former Chief Minister who alleged that a stranger had entered her residential premises on October 16.

In its last meeting on September 25, the committee resolved to continue the Z Plus security to Ms. Jayalalithaa, said the Advocate-General.

When the Judge sought to know whether the security measures meant for Z Plus categories were being provided to former Chief Minister, Mr. Viduthalai said she was being provided with whatever was necessary under law.

Earlier, N. Jothi, counsel for Ms. Jayalalithaa, said there was a constitutional duty cast upon the bureaucrats to provide security to a former Chief Minister, and added that it was unfortunate that she was made to approach the High Court to obtain a direction to the authorities to comply with the requirements.

Claiming that even routine security had not been provided to Ms. Jayalalithaa, counsel said her security was withdrawn on May 13, 2006 itself. He said only three police personnel were posted in the residence, and added that the court could depute a court officer to verify the statement.

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