Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Tuesday withdrew her petition challenging the process of appointment of B.M. Mallikarjunaiah, the then judge of the Special Court trying the disproportionate assets case against her and three other accused.
Justice A.S. Bopanna also permitted withdrawal of petitions filed by three others — V.K. Sasikala, J. Ilavarasi and V.N. Sudhakaran. They had filed these petitions in July 2012 and Mr. Mallikarjunaiah retired in October 2012.
The accused had contended that the Karnataka government had not issued a gazette notification appointing Mr. Mallikarjunaiah as Special Judge to the case according to the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The accused had claimed as illegal the posting of Mr. Mallikarjunaiah, as judge of the 36th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court and Special Court for the case, by way of transfer by the Karnataka High Court in 2009.
When the petitions came up for hearing on Tuesday, the counsel for the accused sought court’s permission to withdraw the petitions. During earlier hearing, the court had indicated that it would dismiss the petitions.
Arguments from Aug. 2
Meanwhile, the Special Court, which is trying the case, will commence hearing of arguments from August 2 with the completion of the process of examination and cross examination of witnesses.
