2G case: Court allows CBI to examine Anil and Tina Ambani

A CBI court in Delhi has allowed a CBI petition seeking to examine Reliance ADA Group chairman Anil Ambani, his wife Tina and 11 others as prosecution witnesses in the 2G spectrum allocation case.

The CBI in its petition said Reliance ADA Group chairman's testimony is needed to explain why Reliance invested over Rs900 crore in Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd.

"I find that examination of these witnesses is necessary for just decision of the case...," Special CBI Judge O P Saini said adding "the application is allowed in total and all 13 are summoned."

Anil Ambani, who is facing trial in the case along with Swan promoters Shahid Usman Balwa and Vinod Goenka, meanwhile, is planning to move the Delhi High Court against the order.

According to the CBI, Anil Ambani, who is the chairman of Reliance ADA Group, will be able to "throw light" on the investments by his group companies.

The agency had also told the court during arguments yesterday that if Anil Amban's statements were clear then his wife Tina Ambani will not be required to depose in the case.

Special public prosecutor UU Lalit had said during arguments yesterday that examination of Anil Ambani is required to know as to who made the decisions to incorporate the alleged shell companies.

The CBI said Anil and his wife had "unrestricted powers" to issue cheques and that Tina Ambani had presided over the relevant meetings.

Counsels appearing for the three top executives of Reliance ADAG allegedly involved in the case - Gautam Doshi (group managing director), Surendra Pipara (group president), Hari Nair (senior vice president) - had opposed CBI's plea saying that the delayed move only shops the agency's application it is not genuine.

The defence counsel had also argued that the CBI has not given any explanation regarding the delay.

The court had earlier examined Anil Ambani in 2011 before the CBI filed its plea.

Witnesses will start testifying in the case from 22 July.