SC refuses bail to Karim Morani in 2G case

The Supreme Court today declined to grant interim bail to Bollywood producer Karim Morani, an accused in 2G case, on medical ground, saying he could approach the special court conducting the trial if Tihar jail authorities do not provide the treatment needed by him.

While refusing to grant relief to Morani, a bench headed by Justice G S Singhvi said that he can approach the jail authority for any kind of medical treatment.

"Authorities are bound to provide all treatment to you. If they do not provide assistance then you can approach the special court," the bench said.Morani, 53, who is accused of facilitating routing of Rs 200 crore bribe to DMK-run Kalaignar TV through various companies of co-accused Shahid Balwa and his own firm Cineyug Films, moved for interim bail saying he needed to consult his doctors for proper management of his health problems including cardiac ailments.

Pleading for bail, Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra,appearing for him, submitted that Morani has been on medication for the last 20 years for various ailments and his confinement may have adverse impact on his health as doctors have advised him to avoid stress.

Morani approached the apex court challenging the Delhi High Court order which had on July 19 rejected his bail plea saying that his ailments could be managed in jail.

"The condition of the petitioner (Morani) is stable and it is being properly managed by medications. Thus, I do not find it a fit case for grant of interim bail on medical grounds, particularly when the release of the petitioner for period of four to six weeks would not change his medical history or situation," the High Court had said.

While passing the order, the High Court relied upon the medical board which examined him recently on its direction.

The report had said that his medical condition can also be managed in the jail hospital.

A special CBI court had ordered the arrest of Morani after dismissing his bail plea on May 30.

The CBI has accused Morani of taking Rs six crore for facilitating the transaction of illegal gratification to Kalaignar TV. Besides Morani, 13 persons, including DMK MP Kanimozhi who holds a stake in Kalaignar TV, have been arrested in the case.

Three companies-- Swan Telecom, Unitech Wireless (Tamil Nadu) Ltd and Reliance Telecom Ltd -- have also been named as accused in the case.