Kanimozhi, 4 other 2G case accused given bail by HC

In a huge relief to DMK MP Kanimozhi and four others who have been in Tihar jail for over six months for their alleged role in the 2G case, the Delhi High Court today granted them bail treating them on par with five others released by the Supreme Court last week.

"I grant bail to five persons. The conditions would be same as imposed by the Supreme Court," Justice V K Shali said. Besides Kanimozhi, others who were granted bail are Kalaignar TV MD Sharad Kumar, Bollywood filmmaker Karim Morani and Kusegaon Fruits and vegetables Pvt Ltd directors Rajiv Aggarwal and Asif Balwa.

The court, however, reserved its order on the bail plea of sixth accused and former Telecom Secretary Siddhartha Behura, saying it will pronounce its judgement later as his plea has been opposed by the CBI. "You (Behura) file your written submissions to the contentions of the CBI," Justice Shali told Behura's counsel, senior advocate Aman Lekhi.

Earlier, during the day, Additonal Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran said the probe agency was not opposed to grant of bail to the five persons except Behura and they can be released on the ground of parity as the Supreme Court has already given the same benefit to five other co-accused in the case.

The ASG, however, opposed Behura's bail plea saying the bail pleas of public servants require stricter scrutiny as they are the trustees of public property.