HC allows Raja's prayer of video-conferencing

New Delhi, Mar 1: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday, Mar 1 granted A Raja to attend court proceedings through video-conferencing. Former Telecom Minister Raja at present lodged in Tihar jail under judicial custody.

The stressed telecom minister, wary of being transported in a crowded jail van on Monday, Feb 28, pleaded the Delhi HC to permit him to participate in court proceedings through video conference.

The petition filed by senior advocate Ramesh Gupta raised concerns over the security of Raja. Meanwhile, the CBI did not oppose the plea. Hence, the court granted Raja's request.

Special CBI Judge OP Saini said, “In view of the fact that electronic video linkage is available both in the Patiala House court as well as in the Tihar jail and nothing contrary has been brought to my notice, the prayer is allowed."

Raja was arrested on Feb 2 by the CBI for his alleged involvement in 2G spectrum scam. According to the Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) report the irregularities in awarding 2G licenses had caused Rs 1.76 lakh crore loss to the exchequer.

However, the recent calculation according to the CBI it had caused a monetary loss of Rs 22,000 crore to the exchequer.

OneIndia News