B.Subhashan Reddy, C.J.: Mr.M. Karunanidhi, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, eminent politician, statesman and litterateur, all rolled into one, is the contemner here. This proceedings have been initiated by the Advocate General of this State. The provocation for the initiation of the proceedings is the publication of some articles in a daily titled ‘Murasoli’ on 5.12.2001, 6.12.2001, 7.12.2001, 13.12.2001 and 16.12.2001. Some facts need to be stated.

2. The present Chief Minister Ms. J.Jayalalitha was the chief Minister during the years 1991-1996. For the period 1996-2001, Mr.M.Karunanidhi was the Chief Minister. Prosecution was launched against Ms.Jayalalitha that some criminal acts punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act were committed by her during her tenure as Chief Minister. They are popularly called as TANSI Land Purchase case and Pleasant Stay Hotel case. The said cases were tried by the Special Court presided over by a Sessions Judge and they ended in conviction. She had appealed to this Court against the said judgments of the Special Court and they were heard by a learned Judge of this Court, who by his judgment dated 4.12.2001, reversed the judgment of the

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