2G PMLA case: Court allows Shahid Balwa to travel abroad

Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa, facing prosecution in a 2G scam-related money laundering case, was today allowed by a special court to go to London for getting his son admitted to Cambridge University.
The court allowed Balwa to travel abroad from September 23 to October 3 for making necessary arrangements for the stay of his son there. It also noted that he was granted permission to travel abroad on numerous occasions during the trial in CBI's 2G case and he had complied with all the conditions.
He has already been allowed to travel abroad during this period in the CBI's 2G case, the court said.

"Considering the aforesaid facts and the fact that the accused is accompanying his son for getting him admitted to Cambridge University, I am inclined to grant him permission to travel abroad, more so, when he has already been granted permission to travel abroad in the case of scheduled offences," special CBI judge O P Saini said.
Balwa's plea was opposed by Enforcement Directorate's prosecutor saying that the accused has failed to show any particular necessity to travel abroad for 10 days.
The counsel asked why such arrangements cannot be made by other members of Balwa's family and also noted that it was not clear if his son has received any formal confirmation of his admission from Cambridge University.

The prosecutor sought dismissal of Balwa's plea and said if permission is to be granted, it shall be subject to stringent conditions for ensuring his return to the country.

Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, appearing for Balwa, sought permission to allow his client to go to London and Cambridge.
He submitted that Balwa's son was getting admitted to Cambridge University and he along with his wife would accompany him for making necessary arrangements for his stay.
Balwa is among the 19 accused, including nine firms, named by ED in its charge sheet in a 2G scam related money laundering case.