We often say that our politicians are corrupt. After occupying a good position, many of them do certain unethical things to multiply their luxuries. Even as people suffer from inflation; hunger and starvation, corrupt politicians fill their pockets somehow. Numerous corrupt politicians have swiftly got away
with anything and everything they did. Rs. 66.65 Crore is too big an amount, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha has been accused of indulging in a corrupt practice during her tenure as the CM.
This case has been going on for a long time and it felt as if she, a powerful figure of South India, might as well get away with these charges. But no, nothing like that happened. In fact, a judgement came out that convicted her, despite her might and power.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha, alongwith 4 others, was sentenced by a Banglore court. In an 18-year-old disproportionate case, she has been sentenced for 4 years, and the court has imposed a fine of Rs. 100 crore. This conviction brings with it a list of compulsion such as Jayalalitha will have to immediately resign as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (the first CM to get convicted amidst her tenure), she won’t be able to get back to the position of CM and cannot be an MLA for 10 years.
Well, this judgement certainly took aback her supporters,who were assuming
that the judgement will be in their favour. Perhaps, even the Chief Minister thought so.
By afternoon, as the judgement came out, things began turning volatile, with her supporters protesting heavily. City was brought to a standstill, forcing business’s to be shut down and blocking transport facilities. As I said earlier, they never expected such a judgement to come. And thus, when an unexpected judgement was passed, they found it difficult to digest.
The judgement certainly created a tumult in the south and Jayalalitha called it a political vendetta. Angry protestors did not even spare the media reporting on the case. NDTV’s Resident Editor Uma Sudhir was attacked by Jayalalitha supporters. Her crew members accosted the consequences of their anger, and
their instruments were damaged.
Anger, fury and rage that this decision has led to, isn’t surprising. But then it isn’t necessary either. We have had such visuals when verdicts have come against top politicians. Because, every reputed person expects that their influence can get the decision in their errand.
While all of it happens, this judgement has set an example. Until now, we have been hearing about law being equal for every person and this judgement has proved the same. It has sent a reminder to corrupt leaders and politicians that they won’t be spared by the law. It alarms that the long hands of law will grab them on the basis of their crimes, and put them to justice. It propels and warns them from indulging in corrupt practices.
Even as this case gets its judgement, there are several others that need a fair ruling. When courts and judiciary maintain a strict stand on corrupt practices, an authentic and bold warning gets produced among those corrupt politicians, still existing in our country.
Well, Jayalalitha may move to the court now, with a bail plea and an appeal to put stay on her conviction. Conversely, leaders from other political parties in Tamil Nadu, might group up to decide about the next chief minister or to select a candidate for that matter. In coming days, for sure, we will get to see the effects of this judgement. But for now, it has sent ripples of shock for both – the CM as well as her supporters.
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