Close X
Monday, September 23, 2024
ADVT 
India

Reliance pleads not guilty in 2G case

Darpan News Desk IANS, 12 May, 2014 10:23 AM
    Reliance Telecom told a special court on second generation telecom spectrum allocation case Monday that it had violated no guidelines formulated by the government.
     
    "My investment in the equity of STPL (Swan Telecom) was less than 10 percent, which was in compliance with the USAL (unified access service license) guidelines," it told the court in a statement, via representative Nitin Aggarwal.
     
    "This investment was made with a view to provide an opportunity to the Reliance Communications sub-group for effective utilization of its telecom infrastructure," it said.
     
    The statement followed acquisitions that the Reliance was a front company for Swan, in violation of the norms.
     
    It was also in response to some 1,700 questions running into 824 pages had been handed over March 27 to the company and its senior executives, including Gautam Doshi.
     
    They were a part of the process to record the statements of the accused in the case.
     
    Doshi told the Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court, presided over by Judge O.P. Saini, that neither he nor and his company were guilty and requested immediate acquittal.
     
    The firm said that there was no basis for the case against it, as the decision to make investments (in Swan) was purely commercial -- for obtaining a market for exploiting infrastructure facilities.
     
    "I am at a loss to understand as to why, when the facts are clear, the making of a commercial investment and divestment resulted in the CBI filing a case against me," said Agarwal.
     
    He said that the entire case was totally misconceived.
     
    "There was no withholding of information and no attempt was made to misguide, mislead or provide incorrect information. At no stage did DOT (Department of Telecom) call for any information from me."
     
    Doshi also told court that he was innocent.
     
    "I respectfully submit and humbly request the court to acquit me of all the charges framed against me."
     
    The court had Nov 27 last year concluded recording statements of as many as 153 people, running into 4,400 pages.
     
    According to the government auditor, former telecom minister A. Raja was biased while distributing 2G mobile airwaves and operating licenses to some telecom firms.
     
    Based on audit reports, the government counsel said it has caused a huge loss in revenues to the treasury. All the main accused, once in custody, are out on bail.

    MORE India ARTICLES

    AAP, BJP supporters clash on Delhi, Lucknow streets

    AAP, BJP supporters clash on Delhi, Lucknow streets
    Protests by AAP workers outside the BJP offices in the national and Uttar Pradesh capitals against party chief Arvind Kejriwal's detention in Gujarat snowballed into a pitched battle between members of both parties.

    AAP, BJP supporters clash on Delhi, Lucknow streets

    India goes to poll in 9 phases from April 7 to May 12, Results on May 16

    India goes to poll in 9 phases from April 7 to May 12, Results on May 16
    India will elect a new parliament over nine days in April-May in the world's largest democratic exercise, with the Election Commission Wednesday saying the results will be declared May 16.

    India goes to poll in 9 phases from April 7 to May 12, Results on May 16

    Sentiment, India Inc. score via 'Satyameva Jayate'

    Sentiment, India Inc. score via 'Satyameva Jayate'
    The jury is out on whether or not "Satyameva Jayate" and now Season 2 give enough bang to the brands that spare shareholder money on buying airtime on the show

    Sentiment, India Inc. score via 'Satyameva Jayate'

    Even five-star audience reserved applause For Kejriwal

    Even five-star audience reserved applause For Kejriwal
    The packed hall did not quite notice Advani as he walked past Kejriwal, ignoring him altogether, to take his seat well beyond the AAP leader's whispering range

    Even five-star audience reserved applause For Kejriwal