New Delhi:
It was a bit of a double whammy for Jayalalithaa. The Supreme Court today said she may have to appear in a Karnataka court in person where she's been accused of corruption; the Supreme Court judges also said that her appeal asking for exemption appeared to be an attempt to delay the proceedings against her.
The Supreme Court has now given Jayalalithaa's lawyer, Harish Salve, a week to find out when Jayalalithaa would like to show up in the Karnataka court.
Mr Salve had said that the Chief Minister has the right under the Criminal Procedure Code to submit answers in writing. He had also said that security concerns make it problematic for Jayalalithaa to attend a court hearing.
"We think you have not been properly advised. We can understand your position. If you want we can direct the trial court to provide you with adequate security and allow the proceedings on the day of your choice," the court said.
The corruption case against Jayalalithaa was filed by the DMK when it was in power. She is accused of collecting assets disproportionate to her income during 1991 to 1996, during an earlier term as Chief Minister.
After Jayalalithaa said the case was an example of political vendetta, it was transferred to Karnataka to ensure a fair and free trial.