Karnataka Government to Take a Call on Appeal Against Jayalalithaa's Acquittal Soon

Bengaluru: 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 TB Jayachandra said today.

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

In the May 11 verdict that restored Chief Ministership of Tamil Nadu 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, Mr 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."

Mr 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 Advocate-General's views.

However, Mr 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 BV 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.