Chennai:
In a setback for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, a court has rejected her petition to avoid personal appearance in court in a disproportionate assets case.
This case refers to the Rs 66 crore disproportionate assets case against Jayalalithaa, during her earlier tenure as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, between 1991 and 1996. Jayalalithaa had sought exemption from personal appearance for the recording of her statement and had instead wanted to appear via video conferencing.
Sandesh Chowta, assisting counsel to the special public prosecutor said, "Today the orders were pronounced with regard to two applications...one pertaining to permit Jayalalithaa to file a written explanation - that has been rejected. Another application in which they (Jayalalithaa) sought video conferencing instead of personal appearance, even that has been rejected.''
The court also rejected a plea by Jayalithaa's senior counsel B Kumar seeking deferment of the 313 CrPC proceedings (power to examine the accused) till September 14. Jayalalithaa had sought deferment on the grounds that the Tamil Nadu Assembly budget session was on and she, being the Chief Minister, had to be present during the session.
Jayalalithaa can now appeal against the court's decision in the High Court.
Of the thirteen cases filed against her, Jayalalithaa has so far been acquitted in 11 cases.