Chennai: The designated Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) court today (Dec 12, 2003) rejected Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary and MP Vaiko's application for permission to participate in the Parliamentary proceedings on the ground that the court had no jurisdiction to grant permission.

Designated judge L Rajendran held that Vaiko had also not substantiated his claim within any provisions of law, "hence the application is dismissed and Vaiko can approach the Madras High Court", he said.

Vaiko was charged under the provisions of the anti-terrorist Act for speaking in favour of the banned Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) organisation at a public meeting in Thirumangalam in Madurai district on June 29, 2002.

PTI