Former Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran and his brother Kalanithi Maran on Monday appeared as accused before a special 2G court in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case. Two other accused, T Ananda Krishnan and Ralph Marshal, both Malaysian citizens and promoters of Maxis, did not turn up in the court. Another accused JS Sarma, former Telecom Secretary and TRAI Chairman, passed away six months before the submission of chargesheet in August, 2014.
CBI Prosecutor KK Goel told Judge OP Saini that CBI has not yet received any sort of acknowledgment to summons and letter Rogatories sent to Malaysia and United Kingdom, where kick backs were routed. He said CBI is expecting reply from Mauritius soon on the details of money trail from Maxis Group company Astro to Maran brothers’ Sun TV group. During the hearing, besides Maran brothers, the authorised representative for accused firm Sun Direct TV Pvt ltd also appeared in the court. Senior Advocate RS Cheema led battery of lawyers were present for Maran brothers.
After receiving the bail application of Maran brothers, the Judge posted the case for further hearing on March 16. Meanwhile, Maran brothers had already approached Supreme Court questioning the jurisdiction of the 2G Court. Judge Saini asked CBI to get the details of summoning to the Malaysian citizens through Ministry of External Affairs and embassies by next hearing. Prosecution’s trial against Raja and Kanimozhi by CBI and Enforcement Directorate ended last week and final arguments are expected to start by next month. CBI’s case against Essar-loop companies is also in the last stages.