The Special Judge, Mr O. P. Saini, was initially scheduled to pronounce at 10 a.m the much-awaited order on the framing of charges against the accused in the 2G spectrum case.

But those waiting outside the court-room — including scribes, the accused and their lawyers as well as their relatives and even some politicians belonging to the DMK party — were told that it would be delayed. Then the wait got longer and longer, ending two hours later at around 11.50 a.m. when the whole crowd rushed in to the court. The court was jam-packed soon and the air filled with suspense and tension.

At around noon, Mr Saini emerged from his chamber to the court-room and immediately apologised for the delay. He then read out only the operational portion of the entire order which was 450-odd pages.

Former Telecom Minister and accused Mr A. Raja looked nervous as he was seemingly considering the impact of the charges against him, including that of criminal breach of trust by a public servant, which, if found guilty, is punishable with 10 years or life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, co-accused and DMK MP, Ms Kanimozhi (who was smiling and talking to the other accused before the pronouncement of the order), appeared slightly confused. While some of the corporate executives looked calm, the relatives of another accused, Mr Shahid Balwa, were seen crying.

As the Judge asked the accused to sign at the end of the order (after pleading not guilty), the lawyers for the accused objected and asked for time to study the order.

But the Judge insisted that the accused sign on the papers so that the trial can commence. After the lawyers agreed , November 11 was fixed as the date for trial to begin.

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