The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to grant interim relief for Essar Group and Loop Telecom in a matter related to the 2G case. Essar and Loop had claimed that only a Magistrate — and not the Special Judge hearing the 2G case — can take up the case against it on a chargesheet filed by the CBI in the matter. This, they contended, was because the company and its officials are not facing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act but only charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code. The apex court, however, turned down their plea to grant an interim stay on the proceedings against them before the Special Judge, Mr O.P. Saini. However, the apex court said it will continue to hear the matter and it will quash proceedings against them only if it comes to the conclusion later that the Special Court did not have jurisdiction. The apex court then issued notice to the CBI and the NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL). The CBI and the CPIL have to file their reply within a fortnight when the matter would be heard again by the apex court. This development would mean that the promoters of Essar and Loop named in the CBI chargesheet will have to appear before the Special Judge Mr O.P. Saini on February 22.

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