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SC admits SLPs against Jayalalitha's appointment

Our Legal Correspondent

NEW DELHI, July 20

THE Supreme Court on Friday admitted a batch of petitions challenging the appointment of the AIADMK supremo, Ms J. Jayalalitha, as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and referred them to a five-judge Constitution Bench for disposal.

Admitting the petitions filed in public interest, a three-judge Bench comprising Mr Justice S.P. Bharucha, Mr Justice Y.K. Sabharwal and Mr Justice Brijesh Kumar observed: ``A question of great constitutional importance arises in these matters, namely, w hether a person who has been convicted of a criminal offence and whose conviction has not been suspended pending appeal can be sworn in and continue to function as Chief Minister of a State''.

``The writ petitions shall, therefore, be heard by a Constitution Bench and, given the importance and urgency, they shall be listed in the week commencing September 3, 2001, subject to the administrative directions of the Chief Justice of India, before w ho those papers shall be placed''.

The respondents -- Ms Jayalalitha and the Tamil Nadu Government were directed to file their replies to the petitions within four weeks.