2G: Raja allowed to take CVC report's copy

A Delhi court Thursday directed the CBI to present the inquiry report of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in the 2G case and allowed accused former telecom minister A. Raja and to take a copy of it.

While hearing Raja's plea, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge O.P. Saini asked the probe agency to present the CVC report in court.

The court said accused Raja would be at liberty to take a copy of the CVC report.

Raja had moved an application before the court seeking the report's copy saying that the CVC in 2009 conducted an inquiry into the allegations of allotment of 2G spectrum by the department of telecommunications (DoT) and Oct 12, 2009 the commission forwarded its direct inquiry report to the CBI.

The court said that the CBI argued that the CVC's communication could not be disclosed and had not filed any response on Raja's plea.

The order said: "The CBI has admitted that the aforesaid communication and direct inquiry report (of the CVC) is in its custody. However, its case is that the communication was sent in official confidence and as such cannot be disclosed."

"However, the CBI has chosen not to even file a reply to the application despite the opportunity given to it, what to talk of claiming privilege," it added.

"I find no merit in the submission of the CBI. The prayer is allowed. The aforesaid communication of the CVC along with its direct inquiry report be produced in court and the accused/applicant A. Raja would be at liberty to take a copy of it," the court said.

Filing the application, Raja said the CVC had asked the CBI to take action in the matter.

The CVC's Oct 12, 2009 communication directing an inquiry "have a material bearing on this case and are relevant for the cross-examination of the investigating officers in this matter".