Scrutiny of the taped conversations of former corporate lobbyist Niira Radia with influential people has revealed that they were not restricted to 2G spectrum alone and "throw light on different" spheres including, recruitment of members in Railway Board, the Supreme Court said on Friday.
The apex court, which perused the confidential reports of the 10-member committee, said the scrutiny of call details of Radia with politicians, corporates and others reflect the issues concerning national security and appointments of members in Railway Board.
The conversations were recorded as part of surveillance of Radia's phone on a complaint to the finance minister on November 16, 2007 alleging that within a span of nine years she had built up a business empire worth Rs 300 crore.
The government had recorded 180 days of Radia's conversations--first from August 20, 2008 onwards for 60 days and then from October 19 for another 60 days. Later, on May 11, 2009, her phone was again put on surveillance for another 60 days following a fresh order given on May 8.
Observing that "the recent issue concerning the Railway Board member" also comes to light on scrutiny of the intercepted conversations of Radia, a bench of justice GS Singhvi and justice V Gopal Gowda said, "actually money is paid".
The bench observed:
1) There should not be one-sided view and there should be a thorough probe supported by material as the issues are extremely serious.
2) On the aspect of the security of the nation, the report is hazy but extremely serious and needs thorough scrutiny of the call details. We would not like to have it unless some substantial material is found. They are throwing light on different aspects. Our perception was that everything was related to spectrum etc but it is far more wide and different altogether. There is serious cloud on some of the issues.
3) On national security, you (CBI) have to be very cautious which we pointed out. Till something is found, it should not become a matter of speculation because it harms the national interest. The agencies involved must be given enough time to completely look into the matter. We will give enough time to scrutinise the entire tape either by same team or whatever team you choose or by the initial team of the income tax department which intercepted Radia's conversation.
4) The matter will be heart again on Tuesday to pass some orders on the initial probe done by a specially constituted team of investigators which went through the call details and transcripts.
The bench said it would also hear on October 22, the petition filed by former Tata Chief Ratan Tata seeking action against those allegedly responsible for the leakage of the tape and his plea for right to privacy.
Observing that "the recent issue concerning the Railway Board member" also comes to light on scrutiny of the intercepted conversations of Radia, a bench of justice GS Singhvi and justice V Gopal Gowda said, "actually money is paid".
The bench observed:
1) There should not be one-sided view and there should be a thorough probe supported by material as the issues are extremely serious.
2) On the aspect of the security of the nation, the report is hazy but extremely serious and needs thorough scrutiny of the call details. We would not like to have it unless some substantial material is found. They are throwing light on different aspects. Our perception was that everything was related to spectrum etc but it is far more wide and different altogether. There is serious cloud on some of the issues.
3) On national security, you (CBI) have to be very cautious which we pointed out. Till something is found, it should not become a matter of speculation because it harms the national interest. The agencies involved must be given enough time to completely look into the matter. We will give enough time to scrutinise the entire tape either by same team or whatever team you choose or by the initial team of the income tax department which intercepted Radia's conversation.
4) The matter will be heart again on Tuesday to pass some orders on the initial probe done by a specially constituted team of investigators which went through the call details and transcripts.
The bench said it would also hear on October 22, the petition filed by former Tata Chief Ratan Tata seeking action against those allegedly responsible for the leakage of the tape and his plea for right to privacy.