Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 29 (IANS) Former telecom secretary and 2G case accused Siddharth Behura, while seeking bail Tuesday, told the Delhi High Court that he should be released on the ground of parity with the 11 co-accused who have already got bail. The court would resume hearing on his plea Dec 1.

Behura, former telecom minister A. Raja and his former private secretary R.K. Chandolia are the only three accused left behind bars out of the 14 arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case.

Aman Lekhi, counsel for Behura, told Justice V.K. Shali that the persons concerning alleged beneficiaries of scam are out on bail. “The bribe givers and takers are also out on bail.”

“I also deserve to be released on the ground of principle of parity and parity alone,” said Behura.

Lekhi also submitted before the court that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was illegally treating the different accused differently on the ground of their being private sector employees or public servants.

He said even the charge of criminal breach of trust was applicable to all accused and it was not limited to public servants.

Lekhi said that unlike other politically connected accused, the retired public servant lacked political muscle and financial clout to tamper with evidence.

“In fact, he is the least influential among the lot,” he said.

This court has rightly observed that the apex court, which took cognisance of the fact that Indian Penal Code’s section 409 (related to criminal breach of trust) was invoked against all accused, granted bail and the ground of parity would be available to all, he said, adding “I am relying on my lords judgment in this very case”.

The court adjourned the hearing on the bail plea of Behura till Dec 1.

Chandolia’s bail application would be taken up by the CBI Special Judge O.P. Saini Wednesday. Raja is yet to seek bail.