SBI-led consortium of banks moves SC in Aircel-Maxis case

The consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) moved the Supreme Court today in the Aircel-Maxis case, as they want to to be heard by the top court ahead of any decision on banning Aircel's 2G spectrum.

The Aircel Maxis case was mentioned by SBI led consortium of banks before a bench of the Apex Court headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Jagdish Singh Khehar.

The Top court then decided to hear the matter likely on February 3.

Earlier on January 6, the apex court had restrained transfer of 2G licences from Malaysia's Maxis to any other firm after taking serious note of the fact that the officials of the foreign company have been avoiding judicial process in the capital.

Meanwhile, a special CBI court will pronounce its order on February 2nd on framing charges against former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran and others in two cases relating to the Aircel-Maxis deal, lodged by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Special Judge O P Saini, who was scheduled to pass the order today on framing of charge as well as on the bail applications of the Maran brothers and other accused persons, deferred it to 2nd February saying the order is not ready yet and he will pass this order finally on February 2nd.

This is the fifth time that the order is being deferred.

The CBI Court had earlier on December 19 last year deferred pronouncing its orders against the Maran brothers and others to December 22.

A special 2G court had earlier on September 17 last year dismissed the applications filed by the ex-telecom minister and his brother, challenging its jurisdiction to try the Aircel-Maxis deal case in which they have been summoned as accused.

Pronouncing the order, the court had then said, "There is no manner of doubt that by the standard of subject matter and periodicity of alleged crime, the case fairly/squarely falls within the description/ designation of the 2G scam."

During the hearing, the Marans submitted before the court that the Aircel-Maxis dispute was a private matter and not part of the alleged 2G spectrum scam, adding, therefore, the court designated to deal exclusively with the 2G spectrum scam should not hear the matter.

The Maran brothers challenged the jurisdiction of the special 2G court in both cases lodged by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI.