Anil Ambani, 12 others called as witnesses in 2G case

Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani and his wife Tina Ambani were among 13 people allowed to be summoned as prosecution witnesses in the 2G spectrum allocation case, based on a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

"I find the examination of these witnesses necessary for just decision," Special CBI Judge O.P. Saini said. "The application is allowed in total."

There are, however, no charges against Anil Ambani and his wife.

The defence counsels contended that the delay in moving the application for summons clearly showed that the probe agency's plea was not genuine.

But special U.U. Lalit had contended that even though Anil Ambani and his wife may not have been involved in certain decisions, they could throw some light into them.

One of the main contentions of the probe agency is that Swan Ttlecom, which was among the companies that got telecom spectrum and licence in 2008, was a shell of Anil Ambani group and was hence not eligible -- a matter that has been denied by the defence.

Three executives of Reliance Group and the promoters of Swan are facing trial for this.