Court issues, cancels warrant against Kanimozhi

A court here Monday issued a non-bailable warrant against DMK MP Kanimozhi, facing trial in 2G spectrum case, after she failed to appear before it. It was later cancelled it after her counsel appeared before the court and apologised.

Central Bureau of Investigation Special Judge O. P. Saini had issued the warrant against her for Dec 19, noting that neither she nor her counsel had appeared before the court.

"It is 11.30 a.m, neither any advocate for Kanimozhi is present nor any application for her exemption from personal appearance has been filed," the judge said.

However, the court later cancelled the NBW after Kanimozhi's counsel appeared before it at around 12.30 p.m.

Meanwhile, the court fixed Dec 19 for hearing final arguments in the case after counsel of both sides sought time to advance the arguments.

According to the CBI, former telecom minister A. Raja was biased while distributing 2G mobile airwaves and operating licences to telecom firms, causing a huge loss to the state exchequer.

The court framed charges Oct 22, 2011 against 14 accused and three companies under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act dealing with offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, faking documents, abusing official position, criminal misconduct by public servant and taking bribe.

All the accused, including Raja, are out on bail.