Madras HC rejects plea for removal of Jayalalithaa's portrait from TN Assembly

The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose on noting that in the absence of a law that prohibits displaying pictures of persons convicted for criminal offences the court cannot order the removal of such pictures.

Moreover, the court cannot interfere with the powers of the speaker and it was for the Speaker to decide on such issues, the bench said.

The DMK had contended that Jayalalithaa was found guilty of corruption charges by a special court. Though the Karnataka High Court had set aside her conviction, the Supreme Court upheld the Special court's order and found all accused including Jayalalithaa guilty of corruption charges.

Though, owing to her demise, Jayalalithaa was not sentenced and appeals against her were treated abated, the co-accused were convicted and sentenced to underdo four years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 100 crore imposed.

Under such circumstances when a plea was already pending seeking to remove her photos and name displayed and mentioned in Government offices and schemes, the Speaker had allowed display of her portrait, the plea said and sought its removal.