
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has decided not to overturn the conviction of a woman in a case involving her husband’s disproportionate assets. The court believes that corruption often begins at home, and if the wife is involved in corrupt activities, it sets a bad example. Justice K K Ramakrishnan refused to revoke the one-year prison sentence given to Deivanayaki by a Special Court for Prevention of Corruption Cases in Tiruchy. Her husband, Sakthivel, a former police officer, passed away during the trial, but Deivanayaki was still found guilty.
The court emphasized that it is the duty of a public servant’s wife to discourage her husband from accepting bribes. The court believes that everyone should avoid engaging in corrupt practices as it can lead to ruin for both the individual and their family. Corruption is a widespread issue in the country, and if it begins within the household, it becomes difficult to put an end to it. Deivanayaki enjoyed a comfortable life due to the ill-gotten money, so the court believes she should face the consequences, which include her conviction.
According to the court, the Tiruchy DVAC police registered a case against Sakthivel and his wife under the Prevention of Corruption Act for accumulating assets beyond their known sources of income. The estimated value of these assets was Rs 6.77 lakh during the period from January 1, 1992, to December 31, 1996. While the case was ongoing, Sakthivel passed away, but Deivanayaki was still found guilty. She was sentenced to one year in prison and fined Rs 1,000.
Deivanayaki’s counsel argued in an appeal to the Madras HC that the trial court did not consider factors that proved her husband’s assets were more than his income. However, the High Court rejected these arguments and upheld her conviction. The court stated that the punishment given by the trial judge should not be interfered with and canceled her bail bond.