Bengaluru, May 26 (DHNS): The State Cabinet on Monday dithered from taking a decision on filing an appeal challenging the Karnataka High Court verdict acquitting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha in a disproportionate assets case.

There was no official briefing after the meeting as the model code of conduct for the gram panchayat polls is in place.

Sources in the secretariat, however, said that the Cabinet did not discuss the issue as Law Minister T B Jayachandra had sought some clarifications on the opinion submitted by Advocate General (A-G) Ravi Verma Kumar.

It is learnt that Kumar has recommended filing a special leave petition before the Supreme Court contesting Jayalalitha’s acquittal.

The report mentions 10 points explaining how the case should be taken up in the apex court. The A-G could not issue clarification as he is presently out of station.

Sources said that the issue is likely to be taken up in the next Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet meeting is usually held on Thursdays, but there was no meeting last Thursday.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram told reporters in New Delhi that the Karnataka Cabinet would be taking a decision on filing an appeal.

“The issue is in the domain of the Karnataka government. The Cabinet will take a decision,” said Chidambaram.

The legal cell of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee has advised the State government not to file an appeal, pointing out that Karnataka’s role was administrative and not judicial, hence the State was not an aggrieved party.

Cong's Jaya dilemma

Appeal in SC may impact Cong prospects in BBMP polls.

Bengaluru has 20 per cent Tamil population. Their votes could be a deciding factor in at least 50 wards.

BJP has taken pro-Jaya stand. Prime Minister and Finance Minister have congratulated her after aquittal.

BJP had come to power in BBMP polls last time winning 110 out of 198 seats. Loss in civic polls will severely dent government's image.