The new judge appointed to the Special Court trying the disproportionate assets case against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and others, commenced hearing on Thursday.
John Michael Cunha, who took charge of the Special Court on November 7, sought to know the gist of the case. Counsel for Ms. Jayalalithaa submitted the details of the case.
The court has adjourned proceedings to November 27 as the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) was not present due to illness.
The court will hear an application filed by DMK leader K. Anbazhagan, to recall the original investigating officer, Nallamma Naidu, for examination. It has been alleged in the application that the present investigating officer-in-charge, Sambandam, was examined as “defence witness” and “allowed to mark documents in favour of the accused persons.”
Alleging that the SPP had failed to oppose examination of Mr. Sambandam as a “defence witness” besides allowing his testimony to go unchallenged, Mr. Anbazhagan pointed out that it is essential to recall Mr. Naidu for examination to seek clarification on Mr. Sambandam’s testimony. The Special Court in August this year had permitted Mr. Anbazhagan to assist the SPP and file his written arguments in the case.
