His announcement came after witnesses had been examined in the August 1993 `RSS bomb blast case', in which Basha is the main accused. He is also the prime accused in the February 1998 Coimbatore serial bomb blast case.

Basha said he was taking the stand keeping in view the need for national solidarity.

Meanwhile, a similar reported remark by Basha on Monday, led to newsmen making a bee-line towards the Tada court today to ask him to elaborate on his remark. This resulted in prosecution pleading that the case be tried in camera and the defence objecting to it. However, the Fifth Additional Sessions Judge Tamilvanan, declared that suo-motu the court could not take any decision on the matter.

The judge held that the trial was open to the press. He, however, asked the press to ensure correct reporting of the proceedings.

Defencecounsel pointed out that a formal application would have to be filed by the prosecution if it wanted the proceedings to be held in camera. Counsel said that as per Section 16 (1) CrPC, prosecution had to satisfy the court why in-camera proceedings were necessary.

Meanwhile, attempts by the city police to prevent reporters from entering the court was resisted by the newspersons, who pointed out that trial was not in-camera and that only the presiding judge could restrict entry.

Earlier, prior to the judge adjourning the examination of witnesses to Wednesday, Basha informed the court that prison authorities had started treating him better following a recent court order and thanked the judge for issuing the order.