Hindujas’ trial stayed

New Delhi, December 2, 2002
The Supreme Court today modified its earlier order and stayed the trial proceedings against the three Europe-based Hinduja brothers in the multi-crore Bofors case despite opposition from the CBI.

A Bench comprising Mr Chief Justice G B Pattanaik, Mr Justice K. G. Balakrishnan and Mr Justice S B Sinha stayed for at least four weeks the trial proceedings before Special Judge Prem Kumar, who recently framed charges against them. The stay was given on an application by the Hindujas seeking stay of the trial.

The apex court had on July 12 stayed the Delhi High Court order quashing the charge sheet against the Hinduja brothers and directed the trial to continue. On July 29, the apex court had confirmed its July 12 order.

Today’s Bench, modifying the court’s order, said, “Let there be stay of the trial until the CBI files response to the application filed by Hindujas which may be put up for hearing after four weeks.”

The Bench passed the order saying that it was unusual for the apex court to have allowed the trial proceedings to go on when it admitted the appeal filed by the CBI challenging the high court order quashing the charge sheets against the accused.

Appearing for the CBI, Solicitor-General Harish Salve said it was a usual practice with the courts to allow the trial proceedings to go on when such appeals were admitted.

When the Bench indicated that it was going to stay the trial proceedings, the Solicitor-General raised his voice and said, “Is there special provision for the Hindujas? PTI