Senior counsel representing the family of the former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa in the illegal mining case on Friday questioned the locus standi of Additional Solicitor General of India Indira Jaising who is representing the CBI in the case.
Senior counsel C.V. Nagesh, who is representing Mr. Yeddyurappa's sons B.Y. Raghavendra and B.Y. Vijayendra, contended before the Special CBI Court that Ms. Jaising is “not authorised” to appear on behalf of the CBI in the case.
The court had convened on Friday to hear the anticipatory bail petitions filed by the lawyers of the accused.
When Mr. Nagesh rose to make his arguments in favour of grant of bail, Ms. Jaising raised an objection on the grounds that fresh documents were filed at the last moment thereby denying her the time to present a proper response.
Taking exception to this, Mr. Nagesh submitted that Ms. Jaising was notauthorised toappear before the court on behalf of the CBI.
His contention triggered a heated debate with Ms. Jaising demanding a written submission and Mr. Nagesh refusing to do so.
Pointing out that similar objections were not raised when Additional Solicitor General Mohan Parsaran appeared for the CBI, Ms. Jaising accused Mr. Nagesh of gender bias. “You are allergic to women,” she exclaimed. “My mother, wife and daughter are women. I am allergic to your attitude,” Mr. Nagesh shot back.
Judge Venkat Sudarshan restored order and adjourned the matter to Saturday.
