Bengaluru: A Bengaluru court has officially transferred the seized assets of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to the state government. The handover took place on Friday.
A Treasure Trove of Wealth
Among the luxurious items transferred were a golden sword, a golden crown, and a girdle with peacock motifs. Karnataka authorities had been holding these assets for years as part of the disproportionate assets case against Jayalalithaa.
Huge Amounts of Gold and Silver
The inventory included 27 kg 558 grams of gold jewellery and 1,116 kg of silver. Documents related to 1,526 acres of land were also part of the handover. Other valuable objects include intricately designed golden sculptures and diamond-studded ornaments.
Legal Dispute Finally Settled
Jayalalithaa’s niece and nephew, J Deepa and J Deepak, had claimed ownership of the assets. However, in July 2023, a special court ruled that the assets belonged to the Tamil Nadu government.
The transfer was delayed when Deepa and Deepak challenged the order in the Karnataka High Court. On January 13, 2025, the court dismissed their petitions, clearing the way for Tamil Nadu to take possession of the assets. The ruling was seen as a major legal victory for the Tamil Nadu government.
Glimpses of the Collection
Photographs taken during legal proceedings show intricate jewellery, a golden ceremonial mace, a diamond-studded necklace, and a decorative golden plate featuring a man in traditional attire. Other notable items include an ornate golden mesh belt with a diamond-studded buckle and a golden sculptor placed inside a red velvet box.
Political Reactions and Future Plans
The Tamil Nadu government has announced that some of these items will be displayed in a public museum. Officials have stated that preserving and showcasing Jayalalithaa’s legacy will be a priority. Meanwhile, opposition parties have raised questions about the handling and security of these assets in the future.
The seized assets had been stored in Karnataka’s Vidhana Soudha treasury. With the legal battle now over, Tamil Nadu has officially taken ownership, bringing an end to one of the most controversial asset disputes in the state’s history.
