Wednesday, August 10 2005 14:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: The Special court today (Aug 10, 2005) adjourned the hearing on the Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate asset case against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to August 26 in the wake of the Supreme Court staying joint trial.

The Apex Court in its order on August 5, stayed further proceedings in the case on a petition filed by Dravida Munnetra Khazhagam (DMK) activist Anbazhagan challenging the June 27 order of the Special court for clubbing of London Hotel case with the main asset case for a joint trial.

The Special Court Judge A S Pachhapure queried with the Public Prosecutor B V Acharya whether the Supreme Court order staying the trial has been communicated to him.

Acharya, replied that that the Chennai Director of DVAC has communicated to him in writing about the Supreme Court stay, but has not received the orders.

However, Jaylalaithaa's counsel N Joti said he has learnt about the stay through media reports.

The Judge on August two had reserved orders for today on applications filed by Jayalalithaa, Ilavarasi and T V Dinkaran seeking their discharge from the case and also on the plea of the prosecution over framing of additional charges following the consolidation of both the cases for joint trial.

Joti filed replies to the memorandum filed by Acharya to the effect that Defense Counsel has suppressed facts on a Madras High Court order, which had dismissed Jayalalithaa petition challenging sanction orders issued by the Governor to prosecute her.

Joti in his replies alleged that the prosecution has filed that memo to denigrate the Defense Counsel.

He maintained that sanction to prosecute Jayalalithaa was required under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act since the petitioner is a public servant on the date of taking cognizance of the further additional facts (in London Hotel case).

The Judge adjourned the hearing to August 26 after accepting applications moved by Defense Counsel seeking exemption from personal appearance of all the accused.