2G Spectrum Case: Delhi HC Issues Notice In ED, CBI's Applications Seeking Early Hearing In Appeals Filed Against A Raja And Others

Delhi High Court has issued notice in applications moved by Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation seeking early hearing in 2G spectrum appeals.

Today, the Single Bench of Justice Brijesh Sethi directed all the Respondents to file a reply before the next date of hearing if they wish to challenge the applications seeking early hearing.

'We will just do our duty, the outcome is not in our hands', the court said while talking about the prospects of having an early hearing.

Earlier, the court had allowed the Enforcement Directorate to move an application for seeking urgent hearing on Leave To Appeal filed against the acquittal of A Raja and others in the 2G Spectrum case.

Appearing for the ED, ASG Sanjay Jain had informed the court that he had already concluded his arguments on leave to appeal in the CBI matter and even the Respondents had started making their submissions before the normal proceedings of the court were suspended due to the lockdown.

Mr Jain had further argued that since the concerned judge who has heard this case so far is going to retire in November, the hearing in the main matter shall be expedited. In light of this, Mr Jain orally asked the court to list the hearing on this matter 3-4 times a week, 2-3 hours each. He said:

'One of the biggest trials was conducted as per the directions of the Supreme Court on the large expense of public exchequer. Therefore, the public interest lies in seeing this matter reaching its logical conclusion. Any delay in this matter would further burden the public exchequer.'

Mr Jain had also submitted that he doesn't mind filing replies to the applications moved by the Respondents, however, such applications should only be entertained after concluding the hearing on leave to appeal.

In December 2017, A Raja, Kanimozhi and 17 others were acquitted by a Special CBI Judge in both the CBI and ED cases.

The Special Judge had opined that the prosecution had "miserably failed" to prove the charges against the accused persons.

Challenging the said order of the Special Judge, both the ED and the CBI had approached the Delhi High Court in March 2018.