Chennai, Nov 15 (PTI) The Madras High Court Thursday on its own impleaded J Deepa and J Deepak, the niece and nephew of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, as respondents in an appeal filed by two persons in a case related to the administration of the late leader's properties.

The petition was filed by K Pugazhenthi and P Janakiraman, both claiming themselves to be members of the AIADMK.

Jayalalithaa died on December 5, 2016.

Since the value of the properties left behind by Jayalalithaa runs into hundred crores of rupees, a proper administration is required by the order of this court, the petitioners said.

The petitioners said the value of the assets recorded in the judgment of a court in Bengaluru during the hearing of the disproportionate assets case was more than Rs 55 crore.

According to their estimate, the assets were now valued at Rs 913 crore.

Apprehending that some third parties were in illegal custody of the properties left behind by the former chief minister, the petitioners prayed that "the valuables and properties are to be secured, preserved and administered by granting appropriate letter of administration by the court."

A division bench of Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice Abdul Quddhose said appropriate orders have to be passed to safeguard the properties.

At the same time, the "Class II legal heirs" (Deepa and Deepak) have to be made as parties to the proceedings, the bench said.

"It is not out of context to say that without even deciding about locus standi, this court passes this order as the locus standi of the appellants would be decided later. Therefore, this court suo motu impleads J Deepa and J Deepak as respondents in the appeal," the bench said.

It issued notice to the duo returnable by November 28.

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