New Delhi: Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani and his wife Tina Ambani were today directed to appear as prosecution witnesses in the 2G spectrum case by a Delhi court which allowed CBI’s plea that their testimony may throw light on alleged investment of over Rs 990 crores by his group companies in Swan Telecom.
The court said CBI’s plea to summon Anil Ambani, Tina and 11 others as prosecution witnesses was essential for arriving at a just decision in the case.
Special CBI Judge O P Saini said testimony of Anil and Tina is required to prove the facts “pertaining to incorporation of shell companies as some of the witnesses examined earlier have not been able to do so.”
The court also noted that both Anil and Tina were holding responsible positions in Reliance ADA group and the “shell companies” and their testimonies cannot be said to be totally unnecessary or unconnected with the case.
“Both these witnesses, that is, Anil D Ambani and Tina A Ambani are holding responsible positions in Reliance ADA group and the shell companies and investments/divestments and applications of Swan Capital (P) Limited/Swan Telecom (P) Limited for UAS Licences and its transfer to DB Group pertain to realm to which these two witnesses are supposed to be acquainted with.
“As such, their examination cannot said to be totally unnecessary or unconnected with the case. Rather it may help in reaching the truth and just decision of the case,” it said.
The judge said after going through the facts pertaining to incorporation of shell companies and investment or divestment made by the companies in detail, “I also find that witnesses already examined have failed to prove most of these facts for various reasons.”
The court also said that it “do not wish to say anything more on the examination of earlier witnesses as this may amount to premature interpretation of the evidence.”
“In view of the above observations, I find that the examination of these witnesses is essential for the just decision of the case. Accordingly, application is allowed and the prosecution (CBI) is directed to summon these witnesses for examination,” the judge said.
Later, outside the courtroom, an advocate for some of the accused persons, said that an appeal would be filed against this order.
