2G case: All legal options to be explored, says Karunanidhi

Is seeking exemption for his wife from personally appearing as a witness in the case

DMK Chief M Karunanidhi, whose wife is seeking exemption from personal appearance as a witness in the 2G spectrum case, today said further legal options will be explored since the court directive "is not final".

Karunanidhi said his wife Dayalu Ammal's health condition is well-known in Tamil Nadu and that she cannot travel by air.

All her medical certificates have been submitted before the court with a plea that a medical team from a Central government run hospital could examine her and certify the case, Karunanidhi said.

CBI had also accepted this but it was not clear why the judge had asked for her personal appearance, he said.

"Since this verdict is not final, further course of action has to be finalised only after consulting advocates. Even after this, if it is insisted that she depose in person, and if there are further complications to her health, who will take responsibility," the 89-year-old leader asked reporters.

The court had yesterday dismissed two applications filed by 82-year-old Dayalu Ammal seeking exemption from personal appearance as a witness and to dispense with her presence in the case citing her ailing health condition.

She had submitted that she was diagnosed with cognitive and behavioural abnormalities from June last year and she is progressively and gradually losing recognition of even her near and dear ones.

Her lawyer had told the court that due to her physical and mental condition, she is having "abrasive behaviour, clumsy habit with sudden hitting or punching people, inappropriate talk and action and unable to take care of the day-to-day activities".