2G scam: A Raja allowed to appear before court via video-conferencing

Jailed former telecom minister A Raja's plea to participate in the proceedings in the second-generation mobile telephony spectrum scam case against him through video-conferencing was today allowed by a Delhi court.

"In view of the fact that electronic video linkage is available both in the Patiala House court as well as in the Tihar jail and nothing contrary has been brought to my notice, the prayer is allowed," special CBI Judge OP Saini said.

Raja had moved the court yesterday seeking that his remand proceedings be conducted through video-conferencing.

The application filed by senior advocate Ramesh Gupta on behalf of Raja also raised the security concerns of the ex-telecom minister, while pleading to let his client participate in the court proceedings through video-conferencing.

The judge accepted the plea as the CBI too did not oppose it.

Raja is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody till March 3.

Raja was arrested on February 2 for his alleged role in the 2G scam, which, as per the CBI, has caused a pecuniary loss of Rs22,000 crore to the state exchequer.

The former minister is alleged to have manipulated rules to favour some telecom companies including Swan Telecom and Unitech Private Limited in allocation of spectrum at throwaway prices.