Hyderabad: The quash petition filed by Jerusalem Mathaiah, A-4 accused in cash-for-vote case, on Monday took an unexpected turn. The petition was presented to High Court Chief Justice for his perusal.

It is already known that Nominated MLA and the key witness in this case, Stephenson filed a 'Not before' petition, seeking change of the bench that is inquiring the quash petition.

High Court Justice Justice Sivasankar Rao became serious on this petition and directed the High Court Registrar to file a case of contempt of court against the MLA.

Within a short period after this, Justice Sivasankar Rao said that his directions would be placed before the High Court Chief Justice and further actions will be taken as per his directions.

If needed, Advocate General can help the court in this regard.With this new twist, all eyes are on the Chief Justice (CJ). The CJ may transfer the case to another bench or direct the present judge, who is inquiring the case now, to continue.

If the same bench has to continue the hearing, then advocates only will be allowed for the hearing and arguments will be presented to the CJ.