2G case: SC refrains from passing order

The Supreme Court today refrained from passing any order on a plea seeking stay of the trial court order summoning new witnesses in the 2G spectrum case.

"We will consider it," a bench comprising justices G S Singhvi and K S Radhakrishnan said when counsel appearing for some accused at the fag end of the two-hour long hearing made an oral prayer for stay of July 19 order in this regard.

The counsel sought stay of the order saying that some of the 13 new witnesses have been called for recording of their testimonies from August 19.

However, without passing an order, the bench said it will continue with the hearing of petitions related to the 2G case on August 21.

Among the 13 new witnesses are Reliance ADAG chairman Anil Ambani and his wife Tina Ambani.

Reliance Telecom Ltd, which is one of the accused in the case, has filed the petition in the apex court challenging the summoning of fresh witnesses.

During the hearing, senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for CBI, said the apex court's April 11, 2011 order barring the High Court from hearing cases arising out of the scam and directing trial on day-to-day basis was based on the "extra-ordinary nature of the case" in which the documents and reports of the CAG and CBI were "mindboggling".

"To deal with extraordinary situation this court can exercise extraordinary power vested to it under Article 136 and 32 of the Constitution," he said and added that "your lordship has not closed the doors for judicial remedy for any grievances whatsoever to the accused in this court".