2G: Two accused given 7-day exemption from attending court

Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa and Director of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Asif Balwa, facing trial in the 2G scam case, were today given a week's exemption from attending court to facilitate their holy month of Ramdan.

The duo had sought exemption from personal appearance before the court for one month from July 23 to August 19 on the occasion of Ramadan saying they can eat only after sunset and before sunrise and it would be difficult for them to attend the proceedings.

They, however, later withdrew their pleas and made fresh ones for one week's exemption on the same ground.

Special CBI Judge O P Saini allowed them not to attend court for a week from July 13 to July 30 after the CBI counsel did not object to their pleas.

Balwas' counsel Vijay Aggarwal sought exemption for his clients from attending the court during Ramadan saying that a Mumbai court has adjourned the proceedings even in the 26/11 case to next month due to the pious occasion.

CBI prosecutor A K Singh objected to the plea for the month-long exemption saying the accused can be exempted from attending court for a week at most.

Bollywood filmmaker and MD of Cineyug Films Pvt Ltd Karim Morani too, meanwhile, was granted exemption for three days from July 23 on medical ground.

Shahid, Asif and Morani are facing trial along with 14 others for their alleged roles in the 2G scam and are out on bail.

They have been charge-sheeted by the CBI for committing various offences under the Indian Penal Code, including those of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust by public servant, forgery and fabrication of evidences. They are also facing trial under the Prevention of Corruption Act.