The judge hearing the 2G spectrum case on Friday expressed displeasure over use of an i-pad to record the proceedings yesterday and warned against such a practice in future.
After the day’s proceedings were over with the recording of testimony of a prosecution witness, Special CBI Judge O P Saini drew the attention of the lawyers that an i-pad was found inside the courtroom in live recording mode yesterday.
The counsel appearing for Essar Teleholdings Limited, an accused firm in the case, submitted that the device belonged to an employee of the company and it was left inadvertently in the court. “The act is totally indefensible,” he added.
However, the judge said “it is apparent that court proceedings were being recorded secretly and surreptitiously in an unauthorised manner.”
Taking note that the counsel has “profusely apologised,” the judge let off the employee with warning that such incidents should not be repeated in future by anyone.
“i-pad be returned to the concerned person after deleting the recording therefrom. The accused persons are directed to ensure that such acts are not repeated by their employees, agents or associates in future,” the judge said.
During the proceedings, the court recorded the statement of prosecution witness Vikas Jagannath Waingankar, who is an Associate Vice President of HSBC bank in Mumbai.
Promoters of Essar group Ravi Ruia and Anshuman Ruia and Loop Telecom promoters I P Khaitan and Kiran Khaitan and Essar group Director (Strategy and Planning) Vikash Saraf are facing trial in the case.
