C.S. Rajan, J.

The petitioners are represented by one Major K. Mathews, who styles himself as the Power of Attorney of the petitioners. There were proceedings before the Criminal Court in Thiruvananthapuram in which the petitioners were accused. Thereafter the second respondent filed a Criminal R.P. before the Sessions Court at Thiruvananthapuram. The Power of Attorney sought permission to represent the petitioners before the Sessions Court. For that purpose Ext. P-3 was filed. According to the Power of Attorney, the Sessions Court orally refused permission and he was not permitted to appear and plead for his parties. Therefore, this Original Petition has been filed.

2. Sri. Major K. Mathews appeared in person and argued his case. He has relied on S.2(q) of the Code of Criminal Procedure which reads as follows:

(q). "Pleader", when used with reference to any Court, means a person authorised by or under any law for the time being in force, to practice in such Court, and includes any other person appointed with the permission of the Court to act in such proceeding."

Thus, according to him, the pleader who appears in a criminal case includes any other person appointed with the