All these applications had been filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure quash the proceedings in C.C. No. 13 of 1988 (Popularly known as 'Robin Mayne Case') on the file of the learned Principal Sessions Judge, Madras, who is empowered under the Criminal Law Amendment Act as a 'Special Judge' to try cases investigated by the C.B.I.

2. The facts giving rise to the filing of all these applications may succinctly be stated :-

(a) Accused 1, Robin Mayne, is a close friend of accused 31, ex-Minister of Tamil Nadu for Agriculture wielding considerable influence not only with him but other Government officials of different departments. The Tamil Nadu Agricultural Marketing Board, having huge deposit resources, had been investing in the ratio of 1 : 1 with the Co-operative banks and nationalised only whey they wanted to deposit with the scheduled bank Government's permission had to be obtained. This sort of a procedure was prevailing till unto November, 1983. Thereafter, accused 31 caused issuance of orders that in future no deposits should be made even with the Co-operative banks or with the nationalised banks without the prior permission of the Government. It w