Jayalalithaa case: Advocate General hopeful of Karnataka government filing appeal

BENGALURU: The Advocate General, Prof. Ravivarma Kumar, said that he was confident of state government filing an appeal in SC challenging the acquittal of Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa and three others in the disproportionate assets case.

The Advocate General said, “I have given opinion that it is a fit case for appeal in the Supreme Court, since there are anomalies in the order of the special bench of the High Court. I have no doubt on the government regarding to file an appeal before the SC. I hope government will take positive decision in the matter.”

Meanwhile Law Minister T.B. Jayachandra has said that law department is examining the matter. After going through the opinion of the Advocate General the government will take appropriate decision in the case, he added. Former Advocate General and Special Public Prosecutor in the disproportionate assets case against Jayalalithaa, and three others, B.V. Acharya said, “I have already sent my recommendations to the state government while citing that it a fit case for appeal before SC.”

The HC had on May 11 given a clean chit to the AIADMK chief and three others, clearing them of ‘all charges’ in the 19-year-old case. Karnataka is the sole prosecuting agency in the case, and has the authority to file an appeal in the SC.

As per law there is a 90-day time from the day the HC gave its verdict, to file an appeal. A day after HC acquitted Jayalalithaa and others in the DA case, mainly on the ground that it was lesser than 10% and within permissible limits, Mr Acharya pointed out mathematical errors in the judgment.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, the original complainant, had tweeted, “I have decided to file SLP in SC after June 1 if Karnataka govt does not file. So, no need to go to KHC (Karnataka High Court).” Now, all eyes are on the state cabinet meet, which is expected to take a call on filing an appeal in SC with regard to Jayalalithaa case.