17.7.2012 (UNI) The Principal Special CBI Court at Nampally has allowed YSR Congress Party President Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and former Andhra Pradesh Excise Minister Mopidevi Venkataramana to exercise their franchise in the Presidential Election slated for July 19.

CBI Judge U Durga Prasada Rao, after hearing the arguments from both sides on the petitions filed by Jagan and Mr Venkataramana, passed the orders this evening.

The Judge directed the Chanchalguda Jail authorities, where the duo were lodged in the disproportionate assets case to make necessary arrangements for their visit to the Assembly.

The Court also directed the Director General of Police and Hyderabad City Police Commissioner to station an escort vehicle while taking them to the assembly. It also directed the police to take them back to the jail after casting their vote amidst security arrangements.

Earlier the CBI while presenting its arguments had told the Judge that it had no objection for granting nod to Mr Jagan and the former Minister to caste their votes in the election.

However, the investigating agency prayed the court to pass directions that Mr Jagan should not talk with any one during his visit to the Assembly.

But Justice Durga Prasada Rao did not pass any orders as Jagan would reach the Assembly under police security and there would be no chance for him to talk with others.

The Kadapa MP was was arrested by the CBI on May 27 and was charged for dolling out favours to certain individuals, who invested in his company, with the influence of his father, the then chief minister late YS Rajasekara Reddy.

Mr Venkataramana was arrested by the CBI on May 24. UNI