BANGALORE: The Special Court trying the "disproportionate assets" case against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and four others has advised the Karnataka Government against shifting the court premises from the District and Sessions Court Complex.

The communication from the Special Court follows a letter from the State Government seeking its opinion on shifting the court to Parapana Agrahara or another place. K.N. Subba Reddy, Bharatiya Janata Party leader, former Member of the Legislative Assembly, and former president of the Advocates' Association, had requested the Government to shift the Special Court. Mr. Reddy said a large number of policemen were deployed in and around the court, and the security cover was hampering work in other courts.

Considered decision

The Special Court (36th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court), in response to the letter from the Government, pointed out that the District and Sessions Court Complex was chosen as the venue for the trial after careful consideration.

The police and other authorities had approved the choice of the court complex for holding the trial. The police found that they could make adequate security arrangements in and around the complex if Ms. Jayalalithaa, or the other accused — T.T. V. Dinakaran, V. Sudgagaran, Sasikala, and Ilavarasi — were to appear before the court.

The court pointed out that Parappana Agrahara (where an open-air jail is situated and where cases against Abdul Kareem Telgi, prime accused in the fake stamp paper racket, are being tried) had been rejected as a venue for many reasons.

The Special Court has sent its response to the Government through the Karnataka High Court.

Lawyers' opinion

When contacted, a few advocates said it is not right to shift the court as hearing has begun. The complex is an ideal location and none of the parties involved has any objection, they pointed out.

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