2G Trial: Judge proposes moving trial to Tihar

Special Judge OP Saini, looking into the 2G spectrum allocation irregularities, has proposed to move the trial to Tihar Jail complex. The trial, at the moment, is being conducted at the Patiala House court complex in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, reacting to the proposal all the accused and the defence lawyers have expressed reservation, and have opposed shifting the trial to Tihar. The Judge has cited security as the reason for proposing to shift the trial, following the attack on former telecom minister Sukh Ram who was indicted in the 1993 telecom scam on 19 November.

The accused are expected to move Delhi High Court tomorrow challenging the proposal.

pecial CBI Judge O P Saini, trying the case announced that the trial venue of the case is to be shifted as per a Delhi High Court notification, received by him today.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 9 (6) of the CrPC 1973, the acting Chief Justice and judges of this court (Delhi High Court) have been pleased to order that the trial of the 2G spectrum cases shall be held in Tihar court complex, New Delhi, according to law,” read the notification issued by the high court.

Tomorrow’s hearing, however, will continue in Patiala House court  complex itself.

The defence counsel opposed the notification, saying if the trial is shifted to the Tihar jail, it would create a lot of inconvenience as everybody will  have to get an entry pass to Tihar Jail made before attending the  proceedings.

Apart from former telecom minister A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi, Tihar Jail also houses Swan Telecom Promoter Shahid Balwa, Cineyug Films’ founder Karim Morani and Raja’s private secretary RK Chandolia, in connection with the 2G spectrum allocation trial.

The CAG has estimated a loss of Rs1.76 lakh crore in the 2G spectrum allocation while the government of India maintains that there was no loss in the allocation.

The opposition led by the BJP has claimed that many ministers including Home Minister P Chidambaram have benefited in the irregular allocation of spectrum. The opposition is boycotting Chidambaram in the winter session of the parliament.

Agencies