As the lawyers representing the three other accused persons in the disproportionate assets case against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Friday refused to start their final arguments, the Special Court directed the three accused to be personally present in the court in Bangalore on every day of the hearing from May 26.
Also, the court said from the conduct of the three accused — V.K. Sasikala, V.N. Sudhakaran and J. Ilavarasi — it was clear that they are “intentionally adopting delaying tactics with a view to drag on the trial and keep the proceedings alive, perpetually frustrating the very object of a criminal trial”.
Judge John Michael Cunha passed the order after the advocates refused to start arguments both in the morning and in afternoon sessions, while insisting that the court should adjourn arguments to June 2.
Observing that the “accused appears to have been not cooperating in disposal of the case as they are granted liberal exemption from personal appearance before the court,” the judge said it was necessary to insist on personal attendance of the accused on all the dates of hearing as required under Section 317 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to stop the accused from misusing the liberty granted, and to ensure quick disposal of the case.
