Assets case: HC dismisses Sasikala's petition

The Karnataka high court on Friday dismissed the petition concerning the translation process filed by Sasikala Natarajan, estranged aide and an accused in the disproportionate assets case filed against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

Upholding the trial court's order on the petition, Justice N Ananda held that there need not be any "interference" with the lower court's order and dismissed it.

The court said the trial judge had held that the interpreter was directed to continue his services and he would interpret the questions to be put to Sasikala, from English to Tamil, and answers to be given by her in Tamil to English, during recording of the statement.

"No interference is needed. The petition is hereby dismissed," the judge said.

On December 16, Sasikala's counsel Thulasi had filed the criminal petition, seeking translated versions of questions framed by the court to be kept ready in Tamil.

On December 19, when the petition came up for hearing in the high court, Justice B V Pinto granted a six-week stay on the proceedings against Sasikala in the Special Court.

The case relates to accumulation of wealth allegedly disproportionate to her known sources of income by Jayalalithaa when she was the chief minister between 1991 and 1996.