2G Spectrum case trial to shift to Tihar Jail

In a sudden move, the ongoing trial of the 2G spectrum allocation case was ordered to be shifted to Tihar jail from its present venue of the Patiala House court premises.

Special CBI Judge O P Saini, trying the case, announced that the trial venue of the case is to be shifted as per a Delhi High Court notification received by him on Tuesday.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 9 (6) of the CrPC 1973, the acting Chief Justice and judges of this court (Delhi High Court) have been pleased to order that the trial of the 2G spectrum cases shall be held in Tihar court complex, New Delhi, according to law," read the notification issued by the high court.

Wednesday's hearing, however, will continue in Patiala House court complex itself.

The judge announced the shifting of the trial venue of the case amid the ongoing cross-examination of key prosecution witness and HDFC Bank's Mumbai-based Vice President Uday Shahasrabuddhe.

The announcement by the judge triggered protests by former Telecom Minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi and other accused, who contended that the move was bereft of valid reasons.

Raja said, "I do not know what is happening in this country."

The defence counsel opposed the notification, saying if the trial is shifted to the Tihar jail, it would create a lot of inconvenience as everybody will have to get an entry pass to Tihar Jail made before attending the proceedings.

They will challenge the notification in the high court.