Justice A Selvam gave the order on a petition by the victim's son R A Dhilipan Rajha, who apprehended that no proper trial would be conducted as the Public Prosecutor was a close friend of Inbatamizhan, who would 'influence' him.
Rajha submitted that his father, a lodge owner in Srivilliputhur, was killed in 2007 at the instigation of Inbatamizhan, listed as eighth accused in the case.
Trial in the case commenced at the District and Sessions court in Srivilliputhur on July 18, 2012.
Justice Selvam in his order said "In the interest of justice, this court is of the view that appointment of Special Public Prosecutor is very much essential".
He also directed the home secretary and Virudhunagar District Collector to appoint a Special Public Prosecutor to appear in the trial.
Inbatamizhan is the son of former Srivilliputhur MLA R Tamaraikani, who switched over to DMK from AIADMK.
