Verma, who has been lodged in Tihar Jail along with his Romanian wife following their fresh arrest last week in a forgery case lodged on Sports Minister Ajay Maken's complaint, told the court through his counsel that he cannot appear as he is facing probe.
Verma and his wife were arrested last week in the courtroom itself minutes after they were granted bail in a corruption case after expiry of statutory 60 days' deadline for filing charge sheet in the case since their arrest.
"He (Verma) cannot come for recording of his evidence in the case as per the courts direction, because he is facing probe by different agencies...," Verma's counsel told Metropolitan Magistrate Surya Malik Grover.
Taking note of the counsel's submissions, the court fixed September 13 as the next date for hearing the case.
The CBI had arrested Verma and his wife Anca Maria Neacsu afresh on August 9 soon after the couple were granted bail in the corruption case involving their bid to influence unknown officials to stall the government's move to blacklist a Swiss arms firm.
With the CBI arresting the couple in forgery case, the special court had remanded them back in judicial custody till August 16, saying the matter is at an initial stage and the probe is on.
The court had taken cognisance of Verma's complaint on July 4 and had fixed July 21 and then August 13 for recording of his pre-summoning evidence. (More)