The Madras High Court on Monday ordered notice, returnable by October 23, to the Chief Secretary on a writ petition filed by J. Deepa, 43, the niece of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, seeking a direction to consider a representation made by her on August 22 against the State government’s decision to convert her aunt’s Poes Garden residence into a memorial.
Justice K. Ravichandrabaabu passed the order after government counsel sought time for the appearance of Government Pleader (in-charge) T.N. Rajagopalan to argue the case on behalf of the State.
On the other hand, the petitioner’s counsel G. Subramani contended that elaborate arguments were not required in a case seeking consideration of a representation.
In the representation, Ms. Deepa urged the Chief Secretary and other top government officials to ensure that none of the government officials, especially those belonging to revenue and tourism departments, visit or alter any structure at ‘Veda Nilayam’ where her aunt resided until she was hospitalised on September 22 last.
Contending that Jayalalithaa died intestate on December 5, Ms. Deepa claimed that all her aunt’s properties, including the Poes Garden residence, belong to her and her brother J. Deepak under the Hindu Succession Act of 1956.
