After framing of charges, 2G scam accused hope for early bail

With a Delhi court today framing charges against the accused, including former Telecom Minister A Raja and others, in 2G spectrum allocation case and deciding to put them on trial from November 11, the jailed accused hoped for bail too.

Majid Memon, the counsel for Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa, hoped for early bail to his client. He recalled a Supreme Court observation which stipulated that the accused should move court for bail only after framing of charges in the case.

"As far as bail is concerned, in my view the order passed today is an important milestone in view of what the apex court had said some months earlier while deciding the bail pleas of Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar that they can renew their bail pleas after framing of charges," Memon told reporters outside the court.

Counsel for Raja's former private secretary RK Chandolia, Vijay Aggarwal, too hoped for early bail to his client and other accused saying the court should grant bail to them to enable them prepare a strong case in their defence.

"The court should grant bail to all the accused," Aggarwal said, adding the bail pleas of all accused will come up for hearing on October 24.

Aggarwal also represents another Swan Telecom promoter Vinod Goenka and directors of Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables -- Asif Balwa and Rajiv Agarwal.

"Whatever the charges, bail is their right and it should be given so that the person prepares for trial", he said.