The Karnataka High Court on Monday permitted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to implead in a petition filed by DMK leader K. Anbazhagan who questioned the appointment of advocate G. Bhavani Singh as Special Public Prosecutor in the disproportionate assets case against her.
Justice A.S. Bopanna also allowed the other accused — V.K. Sasikala, J. Ilavarasi and V.N. Sudhakar — to be impleaded as respondents in the petition.
The court will now hear Mr. Anbazhagan’s petition mainly on the interim prayer for staying further proceedings pending before the Special Court, which is trying the disproportionate assets case.
Appearing for the State, Advocate-General Ravivarma Kumar told the court that the State is an independent entity in this case as it neither supports the petitioner nor the accused persons.
He, however, told the court that the consultation with the Chief Justice [on removal of Mr. Bhavani Singh as per direction of the Supreme Court] was under way.
Counsel for Ms. Jayalalithaa and other accused contended that they have a right to be represented (by a lawyer) in Anbazhagan’s petition as they are for speedy disposal of the case against them. Counsel for Mr. Anbazhagan argued that the accused cannot have any say on the issue of appointment of the special public prosecutor and nothing will happen if the proceedings before the Special Court is adjourned till questions raised in this petition are decided by the High Court.
