2G scam: CBI court permits Ruia, nephew to travel abroad

Essar Group co-founder Ravikant Ruia and his nephew Anshuman Ruia, facing trial in a 2G spectrum allocation case, on Friday got permission of a special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to travel abroad in connection with their business.

Special CBI Judge O P Saini granted the permission to Ravikant considering the fact that he had been allowed to go abroad several times in the past and that he had fulfilled all the conditions imposed on him by court. 

The court allowed Anshuman, director of Essar Global Services, to visit Dubai, taking a “lenient view”.

While Ravikant, a Non-resident Indian, sought permission from the court to travel to “several countries” in connection with his business from Friday to February 28, Anshuman wanted to travel to Dubai from Friday to February 9 on business. The prosecution, however, opposed the plea of the two accused. 

Opposing Ravikant’s application, CBI counsel K K Goel argued that such applications were being filed casually and the court was being taken for granted.

 “Every time the accused takes a new ground and this time the new ground has been that accused has residences in many countries. It is further submitted that since case is at an advanced stage, the application may be dismissed,” he added.

Opposing Anshuman’s application, the prosecution stated that his application was not supported by “proper documents”.  

“The applicant (Anshuman) has not placed any authorisation on record from the company authorising him to travel to Dubai,” Goel contended.

The court, however, declined to accept the prosecution argument and allowed both Ravikant and Anshuman to go abroad. 

The court observed that  final arguments were posted for March 3 and presence of accused in court was not required as such.