2G case: Court pulls up CBI prosecutor for repeating questions

A court here hearing 2G spectrum allocation case Monday pulled up the CBI prosecutor for repeating questions that have already been asked to former telecom minister A. Raja while allowing the plea for more time for cross-eximination.

Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Judge O.P. Saini said: "The cross-examination started with cut-off date and still we are on cut-off date after so many days.

"The prayer (of the prosecutor), on the face of it, deserves to be declined, but with all reluctance at my command, the prayer is granted with the direction to complete the cross-examination expeditiously so that the trial is not delayed unnecessarily."

"It is impressed upon the senior public prosecutor not to repeat the questions by putting the same in different language or in a circuitous manner," the court said.

The judge's remark came after senior public prosecutor K.K. Goel pleaded with the court to grant some more time to proceed with further cross-examination of Raja as he has to discuss the matter with the investigating officer and take instructions from investigating agency.

The court was irked by the delay occurring in completing the cross-examination observing that two days time was earlier granted to CBI on July 17 on a similar prayer by the prosecutor.

"Both July 18 and July 19 were working days and the matter was adjourned till today (Monday). The cross-examination had started on July 7 but it is nowhere near completion," the court said.

The court deferred the matter for Tuesday for further cross examination of Raja, who is being testified as defence witness in the case to defend himself in the case.

According to the CBI, Raja was biased while distributing 2G mobile airwaves and operating licences to telecom firms, causing a huge loss to the state exchequer. All the accused, including Raja, are out on bail.