(Tribune)
The special CBI court on Wednesday exempted senior BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Union Minister Uma Bharti from personal appearance in court in the case of criminal conspiracy in the demolition of the Babri Masjid.Citing old age, the counsels moved application seeking the exemption of these leaders from personal appearance during the trial.
Bharti’s counsel pleaded extensive travel as the reason for her inability for daily appearance before the court. Special CBI judge SK Yadav passed an order granting them the exemption. However, Justice Yadav made it clear that the leaders would have to appear before the court whenever they were asked to.On May 30, the special CBI court in Lucknow framed charges against 12 persons, including Advani, Joshi and Bharti.
