2G case: Court fixes Dec 19 for final arguments

Special CBI Judge O P Saini said it is proper that final arguments commence only after recording of prosecution evidence is completed

A Delhi court today postponed for December 19 the final arguments in the 2G spectrum case involving ex-Telecom Minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and 15 others, saying recording of evidence in money laundering case emanating from the scam is yet to begin.

Special CBI Judge O P Saini, who was scheduled to hear the final arguments in the matter today, said it is proper that final arguments commence only after recording of prosecution evidence is completed.

Today's proceeding witnessed some anxious moments as the Judge had issued a Non Bailable Warrant (NBW) against Kanimozhi for non-appearance which was withdrawn in less than an hour after her counsel appeared before it and apologised.

The court allowed the adjournment plea of counsel for both the CBI and the accused on the ground that they require more time for advancing their arguments.

"Adjournment prayed by both parties... Moreover, recording of prosecution evidence is to begin in Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case in which the laundering of proceeds of crime is alleged.

"So it is proper that before the commencement of final arguments in this case, the evidence should be completed in that case also. Accordingly the prayer for adjournment is allowed. Put up the matter for final arguments on December 19," the judge said.

During the brief hearing, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Anand Grover said he required some more time to go through the record of the case and would advance his arguments thereafter.

Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, appearing for accused Swan Telecom promotor Shahid Balwa, said how can the court commence final arguments when an application moved by the CBI for examining some more witnesses is pending.

The court on September 10 had concluded recording of defence evidence in the case and fixed the matter for final arguments.