In 2017, a case was filed against Sakthivel, a former sub-inspector, in a disproportionate assets case. While the accused died during trial, the Special Court for Prevention of Corruption Cases in Tiruchy convicted his wife, Deivanayaki. Though the latter appealed, the Madras High Court refused to listen to her counsel’s arguments and went ahead with her convinction. Why? Because the Court ruled that it is the duty of a public servant’s spouse to discourage them from taking bribes or indulging in any form of corruption. By enjoying the money earned by the spouse in wrong ways, the partner is only being part of the corruption and further propagating it.
Tiruchy DVAC police had registered a case against Sakthivel and his wife under the Prevention of Corruption Act charging them with accumulation of assets over and above his known sources of income, which was about Rs 6.7 lakh during the period of January, 1992, to December, 1996. Sakthivel passed away before the verdict was given, while his wife was sentenced to a year in prison and was also asked to pay a fine of Rs 1,000.
In the Court’s opinion, Deivanayaki enjoyed a very comfortable life because of the money her husband was offered as bribe. Since she enjoyed the conveniences that resulted from that additional money, she should also be punished for the same, said the Madras High Court cancelling her bail bond.
