CBI opposes Loop Telecom's plea to refer matter to Lok Adalat

CBI today told a special court that a plea filed by Loop Telecom Limited, facing trial in a case arising out of the probe into the 2G spectrum allocation scam, for referring the matter to the Lok Adalat should be dismissed as their application was not legally maintainable.
Opposing the plea, the agency said that a similar plea had been dismissed by the court on March 27 last year and the accused firm was "trying to get reviewed/reconsidered the said order of this court against the provision of law".
"The prosecution (CBI) vehemently opposes the application of the accused (Loop Telecom Ltd)," the CBI said in its reply, adding, "the case is at the stage of final arguments and near to the logical conclusion of the trial. There cannot be an order of discharge at this stage."

After the reply was filed by the agency, Special CBI Judge O P Saini fixed the matter for arguments on February 3.
"Put up for reply, if any, of DoT (Department of Telecommunication) and arguments on the application (of Loop Telecom Ltd) on February 3, 2015, as prayed," the judge said.
The court, on March 27 last year, had dismissed a plea by Loop Telecom Ltd seeking directions for referring the case to Lok Adalat, observing that prima facie there were "no chances of settlement" and the case had "wider ramifications".

Loop Telecom Ltd is facing trial in the case along with promoters of Essar Group, Ravi Ruia and Anshuman Ruia, and Loop Telecom promoters Kiran Khaitan, her husband I P Khaitan and Essar Group Director (Strategy and Planning) Vikash Saraf.

Besides them, two other telecom firms -- Loop Mobile India Ltd and Essar Tele Holding Ltd -- are also facing trial in the case. All of them have denied charges levelled by CBI.
During the day's hearing, the court also fixed March 3 for hearing the final arguments in the case.
"Put up the matter for final arguments/statement of accused, if any, regarding court witness on March 3, 2015," the judge said.