A special court on Monday dismissed a plea filed by Essar Group promoter Ravikant Ruia, facing trial along with others in a case arising out of the 2G scam probe, who sought modification of the condition imposed on him, while granting of bail.

Court’s statement The court rejected Ruia’s application, in which he had sought modification of the bail condition regarding surrender of his passport.

“The accused (Ruia) has been permitted to travel abroad almost every time he asked for it. The case is in its last leg of the trial and only final arguments for the defence remain to be addressed,” Special CBI Judge OP Saini said.

“In view of the fact that the accused has been permitted to travel abroad almost every time he sought permission, I do not find any merit in the application and the same is dismissed,” the judge said.

Senior advocate SV Raju, who appeared for Ruia, argued that the condition imposed on Ruia was causing difficulty for his client.

Special public prosecutor Anand Grover opposed Ruia’s plea, saying trial of the case was at the fag end and CBI’s final arguments were almost complete.

Essar Group promoters Ravikant Ruia and Anshuman Ruia; Loop Telecom promoters Kiran Khaitan and her husband IP Khaitan; Essar Group Director (Strategy and Planning) Vikash Saraf, are all facing trial in the case, along with three telecom firms — Loop Telecom, Loop Mobile India and Essar Tele Holding.

CBI’s charges CBI had chargesheeted the accused on December 12, 2011, alleging that they had cheated the Department of Telecommunication by using Loop Telecom as a “front” to secure 2G licences in 2008.

The five individuals accused, who are out on bail, have denied the charges levelled by CBI.

comment COMMENT NOW