IT cases : Jaya, Sasi asked to appear in court on Aug 25

Chennai, July 26: A Magistrate Court today directed Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa and her close aide Sasikala to appear before the court on August 25 in connection with the Income-Tax cases against them.

First Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (EOW-I) J V Raj gave the directive while posting the four IT cases against them to August 25.

The case relates to non-filing of IT returns by Ms Jayalalithaa and Ms Sasikala for the assessment year 1993-94.

The other two cases pertained to non-filing of IT returns by M/s Sasi Enterprises, in which they were partners, for the assessment year 1991-92 and 1992-93.

When the cases came up for hearing today, the IT department filed a memo praying the court to frame the charges against the accused as the discharge petitions filed by them were dismissed on June 14.

Mr N Jyothi, Counsel for the accused, submitted that a revision petition had been filed in Madras High Court challenging the dismissal of the discharge petitions and another questioning the Constitutional validity of Sec 278 (E) of the IT Act. He said since the High Court had posted the matter to August 24, these cases may be adjourned.

Following this, the Magistrate said that in obedience of the Supreme Court order, the commencement of the hearing was fixed for August 25 and the accused should appear on the day.

Earlier, Mr Justice K Raviraja Pandian of Madras High Court posted to August 24, the hearing on both the petitions.

The Judge, while admitting the petitions filed by Ms Jayalailithaa, also ordered notice to the Union government and the IT Department.

When Senior Counsel Mukul Rohtaki, appearing for the petitioner, insisted for a interim stay of the proceedings before the EOW Court-I, the Judge declined to grant the same.

UNI