2G case: Kanimozhi moves Supreme Court for bail

DMK MP Kanimozhi and Kalaignar TV MD Sharad Kumar, accused in the 2G spectrum case, on Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking bail.

Ms. Kanimozhi, the 43-year-old daughter of DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, and Mr. Kumar have challenged the Delhi High Court verdict rejecting their bail.

“We have filed a Special Leave Petition on behalf of both Kanimozhi and Kumar challenging the High Court order,” senior advocate V.G. Pargasm said.

The High Court had on June 8 dismissed the bail pleas of Ms. Kanimozhi and Mr. Kumar, saying they have strong political connections and the possibility of them influencing witnesses cannot be ruled out.

Ms. Kanimozhi and Mr. Kumar, named as accused in the second charge sheet for allegedly taking bribe of Rs 200 crore, were arrested on May 20 after the special court dismissed their bail pleas in the case.

Both Ms. Kanimozhi and Mr. Kumar have 20 per cent stake each in Kalaignar TV Pvt Ltd which allegedly received Rs 200 crore through a “circuitous” route from Shahid Balwa promoted D B Realty.

DMK chief’s wife Dayalu Ammal, who has been left out of the list of accused, owns the remaining 60 per cent shares in the channel.

Ms. Kanimozhi and Mr. Kumar had moved the High Court on May 23 challenging the trial court’s order which had rejected their bail pleas, saying the offence attributed to them was grave and the possibility of influencing the witnesses cannot be ruled out.

CBI Special Judge O P Saini had on May 20 rejected the bail pleas of Ms. Kanimozhi and Mr. Kumar and ordered their “forthwith” arrest. They are currently lodged in Tihar Jail.

Ms. Kanimozhi, who sought bail in the special court on the ground of being a woman, had approached the high court seeking relief citing the need to look after her school-going child who is devoid of her care as his father is working abroad.

Justice Bharihoke had on May 23 dismissed bail pleas of five corporate honchos, including Unitech Group MD Sanjay Chandra and Reliance ADAG MD Gautam Doshi in the case, saying there was a possibility that they may influence the witnesses.