The Indian supreme court has begun hearings on a petition filed by a former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha, against the creation of special courts to try corruption cases against her.

The three judges ruled that the special courts could continue proceedings leading up to the framing of charges, but should not proceed further until they had decided on Miss Jayalalitha's appeal or special leave petition.

Her move follows the decision of the High Court in Madras on Tuesday to uphold the setting up of three special courts by the state government.