“The order (for her appearance) was made in the beginning of September. We accept that speedy trial is important but security and safety is also important.
What are you doing? She (Jayalalitha) is an NSG protectee. For her, a different standard of security has to be put in place. Security is paramount that you have to ensure,” a Bench of justices Dalveer Bhandari and Dipak Misra told Karnataka government counsel Anita Shenoy. The bench directed counsel to take proper “instruction from no one less than the chief secretary or director-general of police (DGP)” and inform the court on Wednesday at 10:30 am as to how much time they require to put in place adequate security arrangements for the AIADMKchief.
The court also said in view of the absence of the proper security arrangement, it would be difficult for Jayalalitha to appear before the court on October 20.
Mentioning matter as an urgent case, senior counsel Mukul Rohtagi submitted that the Karnataka government had failed to ensure proper security arrangement for the chief minister.
“The petitioner has been given ‘Z’ plus security and it is appropriate that advance intimation is given at least two weeks in advance so that security arrangements could be inspected by her own security personnel,” counsel said.
It was also pointed out that Metro rail service is to be inaugurated in Bangalore city on October 20 which requires a large number of security personnel thereby further making Jayalalitha’s visit difficult on the day.
The apex court on September 12 directed the trial court to record Jayalalitha’s statement in day in the case relating to possession of assets worth Rs 66 crore disproportionate to her known sources of income between 1991 and 1996.
Security beefed up in State
Elaborate preparations are on at the Parappana Agrahara Visitors’ Hall in Bangalore where Jayalalitha is scheduled to appear for hearing. “The stretch between the place where Jayalalitha’s copter will land and the hearing hall is sensitive. There could be some law and order problem. Security arrangements are not adequate,” said a highly placed source.
Home Secretary S M Jaamdar said the court was given four locations where the hearing could take place and Parappana Agrahara was selected.
Police Commissioner of Bangalore B G Jyothi Prakash Mirji also ruled out any loopholes in the security arrangements.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Law &Order) TSunil Kumar said she is covered under “Z” plus category, reports DHNS from Bangalore.