Former Telecom Minister Mr A. Raja and former Telecom Secretary Mr Siddhartha Behura, arrested for their alleged roles in the 2G spectrum allocation scam, today opposed a Delhi court’s schedule to begin hearing arguments on framing of charges against them from tomorrow.

The duo opposed the scheduled commencement of arguments by the Special CBI Judge, Mr O.P. Saini, from July 21, saying it should be slated to a later date after filing of the third charge-sheet in the case.

They sought the postponement contending that completion of the probe is a pre-requisite for beginning of arguments on the charges.

Contending that Mr Raja and others accused allegedly involved in the 2G scam were questioned by the CBI on July 18 in Patiala House court complex, the former minister’s counsel argued this shows the probe is still on.

“Raja was illegally interrogated by CBI which shows investigation is on. Under what provision did the court allow CBI to quiz him if the probe had been completed?” asked senior counsel Mr Ramesh Gupta appearing for Mr Raja.

Mr Gupta said before commencing arguments on framing of charges, the prosecution must make a specific statement before the court that their investigation is complete.

Counsel for Mr Behura submitted that the hearing of arguments on charges should begin only after CBI files its third charge-sheet.

The court had yesterday decided to commence arguments on framing of charges in the case from July 21 after the agency and the defence counsel had submitted that the supply of documents, annexed with the two charge-sheets in the case, has been completed.

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