Unitech MD not in same boat as other 2G accused: Jethmalani

Arguing that the case of Unitech managing director Sanjay Chandra is "on a different footing" from the other accused in the 2G spectrum scam, veteran lawyer Ram Jethmalani told the Delhi high court on Monday that there was no evidence that Chandra had entered into a criminal conspiracy with former telecom minister A Raja.

Jethmalani, arguing for Chandra's bail before Justice Ajit Bahrioke, said his client was not instrumental in any way in the allotment of licences and spectrum to his group of companies on first-come first-served basis, as the prime minister had himself approved this mechanism.

He hit out at the Central Bureau of Investigation over the delay in examining witnesses. Referring to star witness of the CBI A K Srivastava, deputy director general of the department of telecommunications (DoT), Jethmalani contended that "CBI is relying on the testimony of a person who could easily have been made an accused".

He also rubbished CBI's allegation that Chandra had entered into a criminal conspiracy with others, including former telecom minister A Raja and his personal secretary R K Chandolia and secured licenses for eight Unitech group companies. "I have not made the kill but I have been killed. My case is on different footing as I did not sell a single share and, in fact, incurred a loss around Rs10,000 crore," the lawyer told the judge.

In response to the allegation that Unitech had got the demand draft of Rs1,658 crore ready as early as on 10 October 2007, he said, "This shows that I am not an insider. If I had prior knowledge about the alleged conspiracy, then I should not have lost at least Rs50 crore as interest on entry fee."

Terming Chandra as a "timid and nervous man", Jethmalani said the DD was prepared in advance as he was extra cautious.