HC gives green signal for extension for MTNL chief

The Delhi High Court today cleared the way for MTNL chief's extension after the CBI gave a clean chit to him in a case relating to tender awarded to US telecom firm Motorola in 2004.

The court clarified that while considering MTNL Chairman and Managing Director R S P Sinha's candidature for the top job in MTNL, this case should not be deterrent for extension.

"Pedency of this matter in this court should not be taken as deterrent for the Appointment Committee of Cabinet," the court said.

The CBI today submitted its investigation report along with the FIR registered against MTNL chief in the deal and said that soon it would file closure report in the special designated court.

Contrary to the apprehensions raised by an NGO Telecom Watchdog, the CBI counsel while submitting his report said that there was no enough evidences to prosecute Sinha.

"Case against Respondent No 5 (Sinha) is due for closure subject to the direction of special CBI judge scheduled for August 21," said CBI counsel.

Sinha's current tenure ends on August 10.

Adding to it Solicitor General of India Gopal Subramaniam appearing for the government, informed the court that the process of granting extension to Sinha has already been started in February and the matter is now before the Appointment Committee of Cabinet (ACC).