2G scam case: Ambani,Tata get relief

The Delhi HC dismissed a plea seeking a direction to CBI to probe alleged roles of Ambani,Tata in 2G scam.

The Delhi High Court today dismissed a plea seeking a direction to CBI to probe alleged roles of Reliance ADAG chairman Anil Ambani,Tata Group chief Ratan Tata in 2G spectrum allocation scam case,saying the apex court was 8220;seized of the matter8221;.

8220;Without going into the merits of the case,we refused to entertain the petition on the ground that the apex court is seized of the matter. The petition is dismissed,8221; a bench headed by Acting Chief Justice A K Sikri said.

The bench,also comprising Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw,refused to comment on the maintainability of the plea of Delhi-based scribe M. Furquan saying 8220;it is a matter of common knowledge that the case is being heard by the special CBI judge on the direction of the Supreme Court.8221;

The counsel for CBI opposed the scribe8217;s plea saying the charge sheets have been filed and the trial has already commenced after framing of charges against 17 accused.

The journalist,in his plea,alleged the agency was 8220;deliberately8221; suppressing 8220;facts8221; against Ambani,Ratan Tata and corporate lobbyist Niira Radia in the case.

Earlier,a single judge-bench of Justice Ajit Bharihoke had termed the petition of the scribe as 8220;rubbish8221; and forced him to withdraw it.

Furquan had also sought to implead as accused DMK chief M Karunanidhi8217;s wife Dayalu Ammal alleging she held 60 per cent stakes in Kalaingnar TV,an alleged recipient of Rs 200 bribe from beneficiary telecom firm,Swan Telecom.

Story continues below this ad

Earlier,the trial court had also rejected the plea and slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 on Furquan for filing the 8220;frivolous8221; petition.

During earlier hearing,Justice Bharihoke had warned Furquan that if it was proved that he was 8220;interfering8221; with the on-going probe in the case then he may land in trouble.

8220;It is a rubbish petition. If I find that you petitioner have tried to interfere with the investigation,then you may be in bigger trouble. Either you withdraw your petition or argue at your own peril8221;,he had said.

The special CBI court had also said 8220;the application is not only devoid of any substance but also contrary to the law and deserves to be dismissed with heavy cost as application after application of this nature are being filed by third parties resulting in a loss of precious time of the court.8221;