Threatening to impose costs if they persist in their efforts, the Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions filed by expelled AIADMK MP Sasikala Pushpa and a youth organisation seeking CBI investigation into the “mysterious death” of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.
“What are we supposed to do here? You have filed a petition under Article 32 (violation of fundamental rights of citizens by the State) of the Constitution...We will dismiss these petitions, and if you press further, we will impose costs on you,” a Bench of Justices P.C. Ghose and Rohinton F. Nariman told the petitioners’ side.
The hearing began with the lawyer for the Tamil Nadu Telegu Yuva Sakthi submitting that Jayalalithaa died under “mysterious” circumstances and it was up to the apex court to address allegations raised by several people that there was some foul play.
The organisation’s lawyer said the Supreme Court should order a CBI probe and then monitor it.
“What monitoring? What will we do. There is some petition pending in the Madras High Court; go there if you want with your grievances. How can you come here under Article 32?” Justice Ghose retorted.
On the back foot, the lawyer then sought the Bench's permission to move the High Court. “You can do whatever you want... We will not say anything for you,” Justice Ghose responded.
Ms. Sasikala Pushpa’s lawyer repeated the demand for a probe into the death by an independent agency like the CBI or by a judicial committee.
Ms. Pushpa claimed that the secrecy surrounding the treatment of Jayalalithaa and her death violated her own fundamental right under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
