Jaya memorial: Appeal against ex-CM abated, says State

A division bench comprising Justice Huluvadi G Ramesh and K Kalyanadundaram on recording the counter posted the case for further hearing to November 12, when the Advocate General is expected to be present.

In response to a plea moved by M L Ravi, president, Desiya Makkal Sakthi Katchi, the counter filed by Secretary, Information Department, contended that the decision to build a memorial for the former Chief Minister was in accordance with the policy decision of the Tamil Nadu Government taken from time to time.

Citing the observation of the High Court while disposing a plea against unveiling the portrait of Jayalalithaa in the assembly, the counter pointed out that the first bench of the MHC observed that admittedly, the conviction of Jayalalithaa was set aside by the High Court in appeal and the appeal filed by the State of Karnataka against her acquittal abated by reason of her death.

It may be noted that Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy laid the foundation stone along the Marina to construct a memorial at a cost Rs.50.08 Crore. The memorial according to the design is likely to be bigger than that of other Dravidian leader including C N Anna Durai and M G Ramachandran. Tenders have already been floated and the project is scheduled for completion in a year.