2G accused challenges SC order

Reliance Telecom Ltd (RTL) and others accused in the 2G scam case on Monday sought to question before the Supreme Court its 2011 order prohibiting them from approaching high courts against any direction of the special court.

The apex court had on April 11, 2011 appointed senior advocate U U Lalit as prosecutor in the high-profile case, involving former telecom minister A Raja and others, and directed that any challenge of any of the trial court’s decisions would only be filed before it.

“We have been practically denied fair trial. It has never happened in history that the public prosecutor is appointed by the Supreme Court. We are facing a demi-God in the trial court,” said senior advocate Ram Jethmalani.

Representing accused Asif Balwa, he submitted before a bench of Justices G S Singhvi and K S Radhakrishnan that the apex court’s order had taken away the right of the accused to approach HCs under writ jurisdiction or with any other plea.

Appearing for RTL, senior advocate Mukul Rohtagi challenged the CBI special judge’s decision on July 19 to summon Anil and Tina Ambani as witnesses in the case.

He submitted that the special judge, by allowing the CBI’s plea, had created prejudice against the accused as the trial would now take more time.