2G Spectrum Case: Delhi HC Issues Notice in ED, CBI’s Applications Seeking Early Hearing in Appeals

On Thursday the Delhi High Court sought response from former Telecom Minister A Raja and others on an appeal by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate against the decision of the special court in the 2G spectrum case. The special court acquitted all the individuals and companies accused in the case.

A Single Judge Bench of Justice Brijesh Sethi issued notice to all the defendants individuals and companies, directing them to file their answers.

Both the investigating agencies have requested an early hearing on the appeals. Earlier, the case was listed for hearing on October 12. The CBI has requested for early hearing of the appeal filed against Essar Group promoters Ravikant Ruia and Anshuman Ruia and the decision to acquit six others in another case after investigation into the 2G case.

On behalf of ED and CBI, Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain, said that it would be in the public interest that the country’s biggest lawsuit that damaged the country’s coffers reached its logical conclusion. Jain said that he had completed the arguments given by the CBI on January 15 but after that the hearing in the case could not be held due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Jain was accompanied by lawyers Amit Mahajan and AK Matta. He said that Justice Sethi will retire on November 30, so the appeal should be heard and a decision should be taken soon as the second bench will take time for a fresh hearing.

However, the court reserved its order on two separate petitions of two acquitted companies in the 2G money laundering case. Companies have requested to return the property seized by the ED.

On December 21, 2017, Raja Kanimozhi and others were acquitted by a special court in CBI and ED cases related to the scam. 17 others were acquitted, including Dayalu Ammal, wife of DMK supremo M Karunanidhi, Vinod Goenka, Asif Balwa, filmmaker Karim Morani, P Amritam and Kalaignar TV director Sharad Kumar.

The ED filed an appeal in the High Court on 19 March 2018, challenging the special court order acquitting the accused. Later, the CBI also challenged the acquittal of the accused in the case in the High Court.

The matter will now be heard on September 21.

By Priya Kumari