2G: court order on Jul 19 on CBI's plea for summoning Anil, Tina Ambani

A Delhi court would pronounce its order on July 19 on CBI's plea to summon Anil Ambani, his wife Tina Ambani as witnesses in the 2G case to ascertain the alleged investment of over Rs 990 crore by Reliance ADA Group companies in Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd.

The agency contended Anil Ambani, who is the Chairman of Reliance ADA Group, will be able to "throw light" on the issues of the alleged investment by his group companies.

The court today reserved its order on CBI's plea for summoning the Ambanis and others as prosecution witnesses after hearing of the arguments during which special public prosecutor U U Lalit said Anil Ambani is required to be examined regarding the decisions on incorporation of the alleged shell companies.

Lalit told the court today that although Anil Ambani may not have been a part of the decisions taken on these issues he would have been aware about these matters.

"Perhaps he (Anil Ambani) was not part of the decision- making meeting but he was aware and according to me this is sufficient. Rs 992 crore was invested. He (Anil Ambani) was aware of the development. He would be the person who would be able to throw light on the matter," Lalit said.

He said Anil Ambani and his wife had "unrestricted powers" so far as cheque issuing authority is concerned and Tina Ambani had presided over the relevant meetings.

Advocate Sidharth Aggarwal, who appeared for the three top executives of Reliance ADAG facing trial in the case, opposed CBI's plea saying that the delay on the agency's part in moving this application shows that it is not genuine.

"The fact that this application has come at the fag end of the trial shows this is not necessary or important," he said adding reasons for the delay could be explained but CBI has not given any explanation regarding this.