Coal scam: Former Coal Secretary tells court he wants to ‘face trial from inside jail’

The former secretary was given time to think over his plea, and was told that a decision on the application would be taken at a subsequent date.

In an unusual development, former Coal Secretary H C Gupta, who is an accused in the Coal block allocation case, Tuesday told the CBI court that he intended to “face trial from inside the jail” and withdraw his personal bonds on which he was granted bail. In his application, he also sought to withdraw the authorisation letter in favour of his advocates stating that he does not wish to examine any witness in his defence.

Gupta told Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar that he intends to face the trial from jail due to financial difficulties. The court in an order recorded Gupta’s contention in his plea. Following his statement, the court asked Gupta about the reasons behind moving such a plea.

He reasoned that he was facing financial issues even while engaging a lawyer. If that was the case, the court, offered the option of appointing a lawyer from New Delhi Legal Aid Services Authority or an amicus curiae (friend of court) for Gupta.

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Gupta, however, refused to make use of any such legal aid either from NDLSA or that of an amicus curiae, the order said. Despite the reluctance, the court gave time to Gupta to think over his application and submissions.

The accused’s wife and son were present in the courtroom during the hearing. After getting the courtroom cleared of all people except the court staff and Gupta’s family members, the court had a chat with Gupta’s wife and son and they were informed about his application.

The former secretary was given time to think over his plea, and was told that a decision on the application would be taken at a subsequent date.

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