Kanimozhi moves SC seeking quashing of corruption charges

DMK MP M K Kanimozhi, daughter of UPA alliance partner supremo M Karunanidhi, today applied to the Supreme Court seeking quashing of the charges against her in the 2G spectrum allocation scam.

She has also sought setting aside of all proceedings that has ensued after framing of charges.

Kanimozhi, who is  Rajya Sabha MP, said in a petition seeking discharge that she has been falsely implicated in the case and there was no evidence on record to justify the charges of receiving alleged bribe money.

"Continuance of trial against the petitioner without any material basis would amount to an abuse of the process of the court and requires interference from this court to secure the ends of justice," she said in her petition.

The petition claimed that the criminal proceedings against her have been initiated illegally and without jurisdiction.

Kanimozhi was granted bail on 28 November 2011 after spending over six months in Tihar Jail, after having been arrested on 20 May 2011.

On 22 October 2011 special CBI judge O P Saini had framed charges against former telecom minister A Raja, Kanimozhi and 15 others for various offences including criminal breach of trust that entails a maximum punishment of life term, based on the The investigating agency, Central Bureau of Investigation's charge sheet, alleging that Rs200 crore was paid as bribe to Kalaignar TV in lieu of grant of Unified access licence to Swan Telecom.

The accused were all charged under various provisions of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act for alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, faking documents, abusing official position, getting bribe and criminal misconduct by public servant.

"It is relevant to point out that the allegations made against the petitioner are all pertaining to the financial transaction of Kalaignar TV Pvt Ltd between December 2008 and August 2009 that is after more than 18 months after the date of resignation of the petitioner as a Director of the company," the petiton said.

It added, "The evidence on record either in the form of statements or documents, even if they are admitted to be true do not disclose any offence as alleged to have been committed by the petitioner."