Chennai: Former Tamilnadu minister Balakrishna Reddy, who was convicted by a special court in the case related to a protest against illicit liquor in Hosur, filed a plea in the Madras High Court challenging his conviction on Thursday.
Reddy who faces disqualification as an MLA in view of the conviction unless it is stayed by a higher court also wanted the court to suspend his sentencing till the disposal of the appeal, which is likely to come up for hearing on Friday.
On 7 January, the former youth welfare and sports minister, was convicted for cases involving MPs and MLAs in the 1998 case. The court also sentenced 15 other accused in the case to three years rigorous imprisonment.
Under Section 8(3) of the RPA, a person convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years shall be disqualified for that period and a further six years after release.
During the demonstration held by the locals in Hosur in Krishnagiri district, the protesters allegedly went on a rampage and clashed with police. Three policemen were grievously injured, five buses were destroyed and a police vehicle and a bike were also burnt in the violence, said the prosecution.
Reddy alleged that the conviction was recorded without any legal evidence. “The appellant is an MLA, the conviction disqualifies him from holding the position. Since the consequence that ensues the conviction is irreversible upon appellant succeeding in the instant appeal, he has also preferred application for suspension of conviction and sentencing till the disposal of the appeal,” Reddy’s counsel said.