Temporary relief for Anil Ambani in 2G spectrum case

Earlier in the day, Anil Ambani had told the court that he has prior commitments, can appear in court after Aug 15

Special CBI court today has given exemption to Reliance Telecom, chairman Anil Ambani from appearing as a witness in the 2G spectrum trial till August 15.

With no respite from the apex court just ahead of the date of his summon, Ambani today moved an appeal in the trial court to excuse himself from personal appearance on July 26.

O P Saini, special CBI judge said that a new date for appearance would be given in the latter half of on August 2013. In his plea, Ambani stated that he had received the court summons on too short a notice on July 23, which is why it was difficult for him to appear in the court. He told Saini that he had, “pre-committed business engagements and could appear in court any day after August 15 at your convenience.”
 

Ambani had knocked on the special CBI court’s door after the Supreme Court today did not agree to give an urgent hearing to Reliance Telecom’s plea. The matter is supposed to be heard by the special 2G bench comprising Justices Singhvi and K Radhakrishnan.

A company official Sanjay Subarna appeared on behalf of Ambani. Court has allowed to give another date for issuing summons to Ambani in the latter half of August 2013 on the grounds that “there was a paucity of time as summons were served only on July 23, 2013.”

Reliance Telecom’s plea against the inclusion of new witnesses including Anil Ambani and Tina Ambani in “the late stage of trial” is still pending in the Supreme Court.

Saini said that both Anil Ambani and Tina Ambani are “supposed to be acquainted with” the invstments and divestments of Swan Capital and Swan Telecom and that their “examination may help in reaching the truth and just decision of the case.”



CBI had told the court that Ambani was part of the decision to invest Rs 992 crore in Swan Telecom and that he should made a witness to further the cause of justice. The agency also said that Tina Ambani had presided over the meetings of the holding companies of Swan Telecom.

Ambanis counsel maintained that CBI wants to call the Ambanis to the court to embarrass them and that they have nothing to do with the day to day functioning of the company.

Three top executives of Reliance Telecom Gautam Doshi, Surendra Pipara and Hari Nair are also facing trial in the case on charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating. Reliance Telecom is also an accused in the case.
CBI has alleged that Reliance Telecom used Swan Telecom to get 2G spectrum licence.