2G case: former telecom secy Behura starts argument

Former Telecom Secretary Siddhartha Behura today began his arguments in a Delhi court opposing framing of charges against him in the 2G spectrum case.

Behura's counsel told Special CBI Judge OP Saini that there is no evidence against him in this case.

"No iota of evidence is against the accused (Behura) in this case," senior advocate Aman Lekhi, appearing for Behura, said.

Lekhi said Behura was only a civil servant who had no role to play except implementing the government's policy.

He said the government is entitled to frame a policy in which it gives primacy to some of the aspects.

Behura's counsel submitted that a government's policy cannot be said as wrong merely because there is more than one opinion on a particular issue.

Behura was arrested on February 2, 2011 for his alleged involvement in the 2G scam. Under the first charge sheet filed in April 2, he is accused of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery and criminal misconduct by a public servant.

Behura began his submissions today after former Telecom Minister A Raja concluded his arguments opposing the framing of charges yesterday.

Raja, in his arguments, had tried to drag in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram.

He had questioned as to why the Prime Minister, who had the power to constitute a GoM on the issue, did not do so.

Raja had also pleaded that then Finance Minister P Chidambaram be made a witness in the case, saying he was privy to the decision allowing dilution of equities by Swan Telecom and Unitech Wireless to Dubai-based Etisalat and Norway-based Telenor.