2G case: Supreme Court issues notice to CBI on bail pleas of Chandolia, Behura

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the bail plea of former Telecom Secretary Sidharth Behura and former Telecom Minister A Raja's ex-aide R K Chandolia in the 2G spectrum case.

A bench headed by Justice G S Singhvi also extended the interim stay on the Delhi High Court order putting on hold the bail granted to Mr Chandolia by the trial court. With today's order, Mr Chandolia, who is Mr Raja's former Private Secretary, will remain out of jail till the next date of hearing. He was granted bail on December 11 and was released from jail the same day.

The Delhi High Court had last month denied bail to Mr Behura, who has been in jail since February last year. The court said that there were many crucial witnesses from the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) who Mr Behura could influence. He could also tamper with the evidence, the court said in its December 16 order.

The court added that Mr Behura's case was different from that of the other accused because he was a public servant and hence, faced more serious charges along with Mr Raja. It said that being a public servant, Mr Behura was in a position of authority and commanded public trust.

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Mr Behura was among the 14 people arrested for the 2G scam allegedly masterminded by Mr Raja when he headed the Telecom Ministry in 2008. Twelve of them are out on bail and Mr Behura is one of the two accused persons still in jail, the other being Mr Raja himself.

(With inputs from PTI)

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