Telgi cases at standstill due to lack of video-conference facility

Mumbai, Feb 15 (UNI) The multi-crore fake stamps and stamp paper cases, registered under IPC (Indian Penal Code), involving prime accused Abdul Karim Telgi have remained at a standstill for the last one month due to lack of video conference facility and denotification of trial Judge U D Salvi.

The defence advocates said all the Telgi cases have been transferred from Mr Salvi's courtroom to Judge A R Joshi's adjoining court room on the third floor of Sessions court as Judge Salvi was denotified to conduct anti-corruption matters by the law and judiciary department from the beginning of 2007.

Three fake stamps and paper cases remained at a standstill as trial was conducted through video-conference from Yerwada Prison at Pune, where Telgi and some other accused are lodged. But, in Judge Joshi's courtroom the video conference facility has not been installed as yet.

In all, more than 30 persons, facing trial, have been putting pressure to expedite the trial. Since the transfer of the cases, the court had given three adjournment dates due to lack of video conference facilities.

When contacted, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials said ''We have already informed the Maharashtra government demanding to provide video conference facility in the court so that trial can be expedited. But till date nothing has been done.'' UNI