One third of India's newly appointed ministers face criminal charges, one even accused of attempted murder, but this is allowed under India law-BBC

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9/27/14, "Top India politician Jayalalitha jailed for corruption," BBC

"One of India's most colourful and controversial politicians, Jayaram Jayalalitha, has been sentenced to jail for four years on corruption charges in a case that has lasted for 18 years.

The chief minister of the southern state of Tamil Nadu was found guilty of amassing wealth of more than $10m (£6.1m) which was unaccounted for.

She has to pay a 1bn rupee ($16m; £10m) fine and resign as chief minister. A former actress, her life has been marked by a series of high and lows.

The verdict was delivered by a special court in Bangalore amid tight security. 

Along with three others, Jayalalitha was sentenced to an immediate jail term, and was due to be sent to Parappana Agrahara prison in Bangalore. 

But she complained on chest pains and giddiness after the verdict was delivered, the Times of India reported, and was sent to the prison hospital for assessment....

Her foster son's wedding almost 20 years ago broke world records for its sheer scale - including 150,000 guests."

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"Analysis: Andrew North, BBC News, Delhi"
 
"Many Indians will applaud the conviction of Tamil Nadu's chief minister - after years of evading justice - in the hope it is another move towards cleaning up the country's notoriously criminalised political system.

India's Supreme Court has tightened the noose, disqualifying from office any MP convicted of a serious crime and ordering fast-track trials to prevent them using their influence to string things out.

But there is no bar to the many politicians who continue to execute policy while facing charges that would see them immediately suspended in most other democracies, until either their innocence or guilt is proven. 

New Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised cleaner government, yet just under one-third of the ministers he appointed face criminal charges, with one even accused of attempted murder.

India's Supreme Court recently ruled that while the constitution allows Mr Modi to do this, he should set a better example on who he appoints."...

Image: "Jayalalitha has been a prominent figure for years, acquiring a reputation for enjoying a lavish lifestyle," ap via bbc


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