The Supreme Court issued a notice to the CBI on Monday on the bail application filed by DMK MP Ms Kanimozhi and the Kalaignar TV Managing Director, Mr Sharad Kumar, accused in the 2G spectrum case and currently lodged in Tihar jail. The apex court asked the CBI to file its reply by June 20, the next date of hearing.
Ms Kanimozhi and Mr Sharad Kumar had moved the apex court against the order of the Delhi High Court dismissing their bail plea last week. They were arrested on May 20 after the Special Court turned down their bail application.
During the hearing, the apex court wanted to know from the CBI the details of the ‘bribe' transaction (of Rs 200 crore involving Kalaignar TV, which is allegedly controlled by Ms Kanimozhi and Mr Kumar), and where the graft amount had gone.
The CBI has accused the two of taking Rs 200 crore in bribe as “reward for undue favours” shown by former Communications and IT Minister, Mr A. Raja, in the 2G licence allocation to Swan Telecom in connivance with other government officials.
Worst form of human rights violation
The apex court also described corruption as the worst form of “human rights violation” and directed the CBI to state the exact loss to the exchequer on account of 2G licences granted during Mr Raja's tenure as the Communications and IT Minister. The Supreme Court also asked the CBI about the status of trial in the case before the Special Court.
Though the CBI had alleged that Ms Kanimozhi was the active brain behind Kalaignar TV, she claimed that she did not actively involve herself in the management of the company. She also claimed that the Rs 200-crore transaction was a loan that was returned with interest through bank transactions and denied that it was a bribe amount.