2G: Breather for Kanimozhi, gets 2 days exemption from court

New Delhi, May 10: DMK MP Kanimozhi was on Tuesday, May 10 exempted from personal appearance for two days in connection with the 2G spectrum scam case by a Delhi Court which allowed her to appear on May 12 before Chennai Income Tax Office to respond to summons for alleged tax evasion.

Along with the 43-year-old daughter of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, special CBI judge O P Saini also exempted Kalaignar TV Managing Director Sharad Kumar from personal appearance before it on May 12 and 13.

The court, however, imposed some conditions on the duo saying "they shall not try to contact or influence any witness or tamper with evidence while in Chennai." Besides this, the judge also directed that their counsels should remain present in the court to participate in the proceedings on May 12 and 13.

"In view of the submissions made by the bar and the fact that they are required to attend the Income Tax office at Chennai for giving evidence, prayer is allowed.

"Accused Sharad Kumar and Kanimozhi are exempted from personal appearance before this court for May 12 and 13," the court said.

Kanimozhi''s plea was made through former Additional Solicitor General Altaf Ahmed which was not opposed by Special proseutor U U Lalit.

Ahmed submitted that both Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar had to appear in person before the Income Tax office at Nungambakkam in Chennai on may 12 at 11 am and 12.30 pm respectively for giving their evidence.

"They have received notice from the Income Tax department...directing them to attend income tax office in person. It is not possible for them to return from Chennai on the same day, they may be granted exemption from personal appearance for May 12 and 13," Ahmed said.

He assured the court that the duo would attend the proceedings on May 14 at 10 am when it would pronounce its order on their bail pleas.

The court on May 7 had dismissed their plea to go to Chennai to prepare for appearance before Enforcement Directorate, probing money laundering aspects of the 2G scam.

Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar were seeking exemption from personal appearances on May 9 and 10 to go to Chennai to prepare responses to the queries of ED which was dashed by the special court.

"Given the facts and circumstances of the case, I am not inclined to allow the instant application, pending disposal of bail applications. Accordingly the applications are dismissed," the court had said while reserving its order on their bail pleas for May 14, a day after the results of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election would be declared.

PTI