The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Onlookers throng Bangalore court

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 15, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Onlookers throng Bangalore court

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, MARCH 14 . The hearing in the disproportionate wealth case began here today. There was a huge turnout in and outside the court hall.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered on and around the premises to find out whether the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, would appear on Day One.

A battery of presspersons gathered to cover the proceedings.

There were some lighter moments too. When defence counsel said it was only a formal date and first hearing, and sought an adjournment, the judge, Pachhapure, shot back with a smile: "First hearing for me; not for you".

Explaining how the proceedings here were only a continuation from Chennai, counsel said even the final arguments began when the process came to a halt in Chennai. "It is due to politics".

At this, Mr. Pachhapure again said with a smile: "I do not know politics". At one stage, he said, "I have been in solitary confinement for five months", plunging the court hall into laughter.

"I will come clean"

"God is great and I will come out clean," said V.N. Sudhagaran, one of the accused in the case, speaking to presspersons, on coming out of the court.

With many bystanders and presspersons, the police had to escort him to his Toyota Qualis parked near the main entrance.

Earlier, Mr. Sudhagaran came to the court with his supporters. There was a melee at the entrance when only Mr. Sudhagaran was allowed to enter.

The first day saw a battery of advocates occupying the court hall. There were at least 17 advocates, including the Special Public Prosecutor, B.V. Acharya, his junior, and scores standing outside.

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