Can't allow Balwa to use iPad in jail: Delhi gov

The Delhi government and Tihar jail authorities on Friday told the high court that Asif Balwa, an accused in the 2G spectrum case, cannot be allowed to use an iPad in jail. "It is not possible to ensure that the iPad will not be used as a communication device. Removal of some features from it does not ensure that other applications are rendered unusable," the Delhi government told justice S Muralidhar.

The court, after going through the detailed note submitted by jail authorities, however, allowed Asif to suggest an alternate device through which no communication is possible. "The petitioner (Asif) will suggest an alternate device that can be used only for reading files. The officers of Tihar jail will again examine the sustitute device," the court said. Vijay Agarwal, counsel for Asif, also sought the court's permission to be allowed to suggest an alternate device.

The counsel for Delhi government also sought directions to make the Central Bureau of Investigation a party to the case. The court has issued a notice to the CBI to make it a party in the case.

The

court had earlier asked the jail authorities and the Delhi government to examine the iPad, to be used by an accused for reading digitalised case files in prison, to ascertain if the equipment can be misused for communication.

It had also asked the accused's counsel to deposit the iPad with jail officials who would get it checked by the information technology department of the Delhi government. The court's response came after the Delhi government said that Balwa, director of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables, cannot be allowed to use the iPad as it is not permitted by the jail manual. The government counsel had said security personnel are not equipped to detect any tampering with the gadget.

The corporate executive has been arrested for his alleged role in facilitating the transfer of Rs 200 crore to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-owned Kalaignar TV through his firm in a "circuitous manner".

He is lodged in Tihar jail along with 12 accused persons, including former telecom minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi, Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Balwa.