'Decision on appeal against Jaya acquittal as early as possible'

Bengaluru, May 30: Karnataka government would take a call "as early as possible" on "merits" on the issue of filing an appeal against acquittal of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case, State Law Minister T B Jayachandra said today.

"We (Government) had sought many clarifications and they have been answered by the Advocate General (Ravivarma Kumar). On merits where are we - I am examining it, and I will take a final call as early as possible," he told reporters here.

In the May 11 verdict that restored Chief Ministership to her, Jayalalithaa was acquitted by the Karnataka High Court of "all charges" in the 19-year old disproportionate assets case. Three other convicts, including her close aide Sasikala Natarajan, were also given a clean chit by the High Court.

Responding to questions, Jayachandra initially said, "We had sought some clarifications from Advocate General and we have received them. I will look into those recommendations and will take decision in three to four days time." But later he said the decision would be taken "as early as possible."

Jayachandra said the Advocate General has recommended to the government to file an appeal in the Supreme Court, but refused to share the details of AG's views. However, Jayachandra said, "As per law, 90 days is the limit. It is not even 15 to 20 days (since the verdict came), and ... the law department has to go and study all aspects." Special Public Prosecutor B V Acharya also had advised the government to file an appeal in the Supreme Court against Jayalalithaa's acquittal, saying it was a "fit case" to do so.

PTI