The case is item number 58 in the Chief Justice of India’s court. The Bench comprises Chief Justice H.L. Dattu and Justices A.K. Sikri and R.K. Agrawal. The court’s board is moving quickly, fast approaching item number 58. The Jayalalithaa case is finally called for hearing at noon sharp.
Senior advocate K.T.S. Tulsi rises to inform the Bench that all 177 volumes of appeal papers have been filed before the Karnataka High Court.
“If it pleases your lordships, the appeal may be heard on a day-to-day basis in the High Court?” Mr. Tulsi requests the Bench.
12.05 p.m.: The Chief Justice enters into a short hurried conversation with Justice Sikri, comes out of it to ask counsel: “Mr. Tulsi, within how many days will you complete your arguments?”
“About 30 working days ...” he replies.
“That is about two months. And one month for the learned judge to write his judgment ... a total three months, isn’t it. And by any reason he cannot finish by that time, we can extend the time by another 15 days,” the CJI says.
12.10 p.m.: The Chief Justice asks Subramanian Swamy, present in court, whether he has anything to add.
Dr. Swamy said the time limit of three months for the appeal hearing is “fine.”
But he complains that he has still not received the copies of the appeal papers.
12.15 p.m.: “Mr. Tulsi please send a truckload to Mr. Swamy,” CJI responds in a lighter vein. Mr. Tulsi assures that “all 177 volumes will be given to Mr. Swamy in Delhi.”
“Please do. Otherwise Mr. Swamy will make that an argument too,” the CJI continues in a lighter vein.
12.20 p.m. : Dr. Swamy complains of harassment, says the law and order situation still requires some attention.
“We gave you the permission. If there is any problem, you can disturb us anytime. Just make a mention,” the CJI replied.
12.22 p.m.: The CJI dictates the order. Refers to an affidavit by the accused side and observes that “the entire record has been filed before the High Court.”
Says “keeping in view the peculiar circumstances of the case,” the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court to set up a Special Bench for hearing the appeals exclusively on a daily basis and dispose of the matters in three months from today. The CJI concludes the order directing the extension of bail to all four accused to another four months. The Bench posts the case for hearing on April 18, 2015.
The CJI informs Mr. Tulsi that the Supreme Court is keeping with it copies of the case papers.
