Kanimozhi allowed exemption from appearance for two hours

A special CBI court trying the 2G spectrum case allowed DMK MP Kanimozhi to skip the proceedings for two hours to approach the Enforcement Directorate for postponement of appearance before it in relation to its probe into money laundering aspects of the scam.

Along with the 43-year-old daughter of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, Kalaignar TV MD Sharad Kumar also sought exemption from personal appearance from 11 am to 1 pm today.

"Accused Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar are exempted from personal appearance for two hours, that is, from 11 am to 1 pm, for appearing before the ED, New Delhi," Special CBI Judge O P Saini said.

Kumar moved the plea seeking personal exemption through his counsel who submitted that they have to appear before the ED for the "purpose of filing an application for adjournment" for his questioning on May 13 in connection with the scam.

Kanimozhi''s lawyer also submitted the same in the court and she was allowed to appear before the ED today for two hours.

The court had yesterday exempted Kanimozhi and Kumar from personal appearance for May 12 and 13 to appear before Chennai Income Tax Office to respond to summons for alleged tax evasion.

The court had imposed some conditions on both the accused saying "they shall not try to contact or influence any witness or tamper with evidence while in Chennai."
Besides this, the judge had also directed that their counsels should remain present in the court to participate in the proceedings on May 12 and 13.

Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar had to appear in person before the Income Tax office at Nungambakkam in Chennai on May 12 at 11 am and 12.30 pm respectively for giving their evidence.

The court on May 7 had dismissed their plea to go to Chennai to prepare for appearance before the ED.