2G trial shifted to Tihar Jail

Security of the accused may have influenced the court decision

The Complex is about 25 km from the Patiala House Court Complex where the trial was going on till today.

“From Thursday, the trial shall take place at the Tihar Jail Court Complex,” said Judge O P Saini, adding he had received a High Court notification in this regard.

“In exercise of powers conferred by Section 9(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the Acting Chief Justice and other Judges of this court (HC) have been pleased to order that the trial of the 2G spectrum cases shall be held in the Tihar Court Complex, New Delhi, according to law,” read the notification dated November 21.

According to Judge Saini, the proceedings of the trial will be held as usual at the Patiala House Court Complex on Wednesday.

Defence counsels of all the accused, including former telecom minister A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi, protested to the judge over the shifting of the trial venue.

Even the public prosecutor told the judge that he has “no problem if the trial is continued here itself”.

The sudden decision to change the venue of the trial is being attributed to several lawyers complaining in the past that the courtroom was too small to accommodate the battery of lawyers, media and others.

“I myself have complained that this courtroom was too small, and a spacious, well furnished courtroom is needed. However, I wanted something in this court complex only.

Not something stranded in one geographic corner,” said senior advocate Majid Memon.

Memon said all the defence lawyers were contemplating a meeting with the High Court Chief Justice to reconsider and examine alternate arrangement within the Patiala House Complex.

According to a source in Delhi police, the decision to shift the trial is influenced by security concerns of the accused.

“Sukhram was attacked only two days ago inside the court complex. Anything can happen to anyone. Today morning, the jail van carrying spectrum accused from the jail to the court broke down,” the source said.

Till late in the night, it was not clear if journalists would be allowed to cover the court proceedings inside Tihar Jail. There was no mention of it in the court order nor the jail authorities were in the know of it.

Jail director general Neeraj Kumar told Deccan Herald: “We have not received any communication regarding allowing media to cover proceedings. It depends on what the court decides.”