Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa held detailed discussions on the counter affidavit to be filed before the Supreme Court with regard to the petition on Katchatheevu when it comes up for hearing.
During the discussions, a decision to adduce more documents to prove that Katchatheevu was indeed part of India, was understood to have been taken.
On August 7, 2008, Jayalalithaa, as the AIADMK’s general secretary, filed a PIL before the SC under Article 32 of the Constitution of India to declare the agreements of Katchatheevu, dated June 26, 1974, and March 23, 1976, unconstitutional.
As soon as she assumed office of the Chief Minister for the third term, she moved a resolution in the State Assembly on June 9, 2011, impleading the State Revenue Department in the petition filed by her in 2008 before the Supreme Court.
On August 30, the Central government filed a counter before the Supreme Court stating that Katchatheevu was not ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974 as has been contended. The affidavit said the islet remained a disputed area and it was settled by India and Lanka through agreements in 1974 and 1976.