Special judge I S Sambandam gave the direction at the end of the cross-examination of two investigating officers -- Asst Superintendent of Police Kalyanam and Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohan, in the case. Muthiah, his wife Sakuntala, sons Arivazhagan and Manimaran were charged with illegally amassing wealth to the tune of Rs 45.74 lakh.

Initially, the defence counsel submitted that it would not be possible for Malarvizhi to come to the court as she is in an advanced stage of pregnancy and has to consult the doctor. The judge, however, made it clear that the presence of the accused cannot be dispensed with when it comes to questioning under Section 313 CrPc.

INBASAGARAN: Meanwhile, former health secretary K Inbasagaran, who is facingcharges of acquiring wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income, submitted a list of 11 defence witnesses in special court-I. The list includes his wife Vijaya and himself.