Kanimozhi seeks bail in 2G scam case

Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK supremo M Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi today appeared before the special CBI court in New Delhi in response to a summons over her alleged involvement in the 2G spectrum scam – and promptly sought anticipatory bail.

Represented by former union law minister Ram Jethmalani, 43-year-old Kanimozhi appeared along with Kalaignar TV managing director Sharad Kumar, another accused in the case.

A third accused, Cineyug Films director Karim Morani, who too had been summoned, exempted himself from appearance on medical grounds.

Kanimozhi sought bail on the ground that she was a woman. Jethmalani, said legal guidelines state that "women, old people, children should normally be granted bail".

Her bail appeal constitutes a complete turnaround on her earlier position - on Thursday Kanimozhi had said in TV interviews that she would not seek anticipatory bail, and that she does not expect "leniency or special treatment because she is a woman".

Jethmalani further argued before the court that Kanimozhi "has no role whatsoever in the scam."