Lengthy arguments in 2G scam case irks special CBI judge

Lengthy arguments on framing of charges in 2G spectrum scam case today irked the Special CBI Judge who told defence lawyers to be brief as otherwise the proceedings would become "endless".

"What I am afraid of is that it (the on-going agruments) might become endless," Special CBI Judge O P Saini said.

A visibly perturbed judge asked the lawyers to conclude their arguments by October 13 on CBI's plea to invoke additional charges of criminal breach of trust against 17 accused including former Telecom Minister A Raja.

"Complete the arguments by October 13. If you (counsel) keep on arguing for so long, then the arguments might become endless. When will I pass the order? You (counsel) adjust timings among yourselves," he said.

The Special Judge, who has been asked by the Supreme Court to hear the case on a day-to-day basis, is hearing the arguements on framing of charges since July 21.

Meanwhile, CBI filed a fresh application seeking to invoke the additional charge of criminal breach of trust against all accused, which has given rise to another round of arguments.

The court had earlier reserved its order on the framing of charges against all 17 accused.

The judge also said any new application, moved in the case, would be heard only after the order on framing of charges.

"I am telling this in open court that I will take up every application only after framing of charges," the judge said.