SC criticises ‘casual’ govt approach to 2G auction

It also observed that it was "unfair" to not bring it to the notice of the court that only a stipulated amount of spectrum was being auctioned on November 12.

"We are going to examine whether there was compliance by the government with the February 2 verdict. If there appears to be a default, we will adopt proper recourse," the court cautioned and set the next hearing on November 26.

The bench also asked the Centre and the CBI to consider suggestions from the Central Vigilance Commission for greater coordination between the CBI, ED and IT department to expedite the 2G scam probe.

Indicating that the court might hear the 2G case on a day-to-day basis from January 2013, it also remarked that this case must be brought to a logical end.

The bench heard CBI counsel K K Venugopal and the petitioner's lawyer Prashant Bhushan over whether Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal and his company should be chargesheeted for their alleged role in a case linked to 2G spectrum allocation.

A plea was moved after the CBI said there was a difference of opinion between their investigation and prosecution wings over filing a chargesheet and naming Mittal as an accused and that the Attorney General's opinion on this is awaited.

The bench said the government could consult the AG but made it clear: "When the court is monitoring the case, the final opinion will be of this court."

Bhushan and Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy also raised questions of propriety over some Cabinet ministers making remarks against the Supreme Court's verdict following the auction. The duo wanted the ministers to be restrained and said they were surprised that some ministers expressed "happiness" that the government did not get enough money in the latest auction. The bench, however, did not respond.

... contd.

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