Had objected to TRAI no-loss claims in 2g scam: CBI to SC
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday told the Supreme Court that it had raised objections to the claims of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) which said there was no loss to public exchequer in the allotment of 2G spectrum during the tenure of former telecom minister A Raja. Bhadra Sinha reports.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday told the Supreme Court that it had raised objections to the claims of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) which said there was no loss to public exchequer in the allotment of 2G spectrum during the tenure of former telecom minister A Raja.
During the hearing of Unitech Wireless managing director Sanjay Chandra’s bail plea, additional solicitor general Hiren Rawal said: “The inter-departmental correspondences were sent to us. We have raised objections and sent it back to TRAI and sought clarification on some references.” The ASG made this statement after the bench headed by Justice GS Singhvi put a query to him over the report.
The findings of the report, which were made public through the media last week, were quoted by Chandra's lawyer Ram Jethmalani. He demanded a TRAI report copy but Rawal said it wasn't possible to give a copy to the accused.
“It's not a public document and it is confidential,” Rawal told the court.
“If newspaper can get the report, then why you have objection in placing it before us,” the SC asked the CBI. To this, Rawal said the agency would file it in a sealed cover.
“We want to know what TRAI said is correct or not. It (report) has come into public domain. Is it not a public document?” the bench said. When Rawal reiterated the correspondences were not public document, the bench said: “How the newspapers got the TRAI report. If it has been disclosed to newspapers, it cannot be withheld from us.”
Earlier, while arguing Chandra's bail, Jethmalani said the grant of bail was a right, while denial was an exception. The arguments will continue on Tuesday as well.
