The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Chief Secretary to the State government to consider and dispose of within four weeks, a representation made by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s niece J. Deepa, urging the government to refrain from issuing press releases with respect to properties left behind by her aunt.
She also prayed for restraining the government officials from “visiting, altering or putting up any structure” at the former’s Poes Garden residence, Veda Nilayam.
Justice K. Ravichandrabaabu issued the direction after recording Advocate General Vijay Narayan’s submission that the government was willing to consider and dispose of the representation made in August this year.
Opportunity of hearing
Disposing of a writ petition filed by Ms. Deepa, the judge made it clear that the Chief Secretary should give an opportunity to hear her as well as “other interested persons” before taking a decision.
In her affidavit, Ms. Deepa had said: “Since my aunt died intestate without executing a will or testament, I and my brother J. Deepak are entitled to succeed to her estate.” She objected to a press release issued by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on August 18 for converting Veda Nilayam into a memorial.
