Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa has claimed in her criminal appeal that the Rs 100-crore fine imposed on her in the disproportionate assets case was an arbitrary exercise of power.

Jayalalithaa claimed in her appeal, which is pending before the Karnataka high court; “The  judge, while passing the sentence, had imposed a fine of Rs 100 crore. It is extraordinary, unprecedented and totally arbitrary exercise of power. The judge couldn’t have passed an order of fine which is two times disproportionate of the assets according to the judgment. This shows that the judge was not objective, but appears to have entertained undue animosity against the accused,” .

Jayalalithaa took exception to the court direction for giving Rs 5 crore to the Karnataka government towards the cost of trial conducted in the state.

“This (direction) is wrong and without the authority of law. The cost of prosecuting the person can never be recovered from the accused. Further, the Supreme Court, in the order of transfer, has already provided what should be paid by Tamil Nadu. The order flies in the face of the order passed by the Supreme Court,” she said.

Source: TimesOfIndia 

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