New Delhi, Sept. 4 -- The Colombo High Court today rejected a request by President's Counsel Sanjeewa Rajaratnam, appearing for former Minister Nalin Fernando, that his client be allowed to appear only after the commencement of trial due to adverse media publicity.

Colombo Chief High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne stressed that except in rare circumstances, all accused must be present at every hearing.

The case filed under the Public Property Act against former Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Nalin Fernando, and former Sports Ministry Secretary, retired Major General Nanda Mallawarachchi, was accordingly fixed for October 10.

When the matter was taken up, Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Nalin Fernando, who are already serving priso...