The conviction of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case — though it comes 18 years after the case was registered — carries a heartening message: if those who occupy high office abuse their power, the law will catch up with them.
The response of AIADMK workers and supporters to the court order, however, shows brazen disregard for the rule of law. Party cadres have taken to the streets, setting buses on fire, attacking business establishments and homes of rivals. The reaction of AIADMK cadres is outrageous but not surprising.
Ironically, in this moment of ignominy, the political climate in Tamil Nadu is hugely in Jayalalithaa’s favour. The AIADMK has a brute majority in the assembly and the party won 37 of the 39 Lok Sabha seats from the state in May. The opposition is divided, the DMK is a diminished force, and there is no challenge to Jayalalithaa’s leadership within her party.
The stage may be said to be set for a continuation of the Jayalalithaa government by other means — though her confidant, O. Panneerselvam, has been chosen as the next chief minister, de facto power will surely be exercised from prison. Certainly, it would be foolhardy to see this as an end to a remarkable political career that has weathered many a storm. Jayalalithaa has swept elections, and been swept away in them as well.
Yet, Jayalalithaa must know that, notwithstanding her current popularity, people are increasingly less cynical about corruption. The past few years have seen a strengthening of anti-graft laws including the Prevention of Corruption Act, which has resulted in many politicians going to jail. By all accounts, there is a denting of voters’ tolerance for corruption.
There is, however, an urgent need to streamline the judicial process and fast track trial in corruption cases involving politicians. The process has to be not only fair, but fast as well.
