Murasoli row: Stalin need not appear before NCSC

Justice C V Karthikeyan before whom the plea moved by DMK challenging the jurisdiction of the NCSC to hear the complaint of the BJP state secretary Srinivasan alleging that Murasoli Pathipagam is constructed on panchami land, while dispensing with Stalin’s personal appearance held that any person from the trust can represent him.

The judge also held that Murasoli Trust need not furnish copies of its title deeds and only an index is enough. Also, on recording the submissions that NCSC vice-chairman L Murugan was acting in a biased manner against DMK, Justice Karthikeyan while posting the case for further hearing to January 21 held that Murugan cannot be involved in these proceedings since prima facie case has been made out against him.

The commission must nominate some other person to continue proceedings and file counter, the judge held

Senior Counsel P Wilson appearing on behalf of Murasoli Trust represented by its trustee R S Bharathi contended that NCSC does not have jurisdiction to hear matters pertaining to title of properties.

He also argued that the vice chairman of the commission Murugan is politically biased since he has close ties with a political party, which continues to stick posters, banners and advertisements in support of him. He also submitted that Murasoli’s trustee Bharathi appeared in person and explained that the tribunal does not have jurisdiction to hear such matters. But Murugan is continuing to abuse his office and issue summons to the DMK president to appear in person, the DMK counsel said.

Wilson also submitted that the trust is only a tenant and the owner has validly purchased the land. The owner of the land is Anjugam Pathipagam and the title can be traced back to more than 70 years. In fact, even a patta has been issued to Anjugam Pathipagam and even the revenue department has accepted the title.