New Delhi: Could telecom giants lose the 2G licenses they were given by A Raja? The Supreme Court has decided to study the issue, and has issued notice to both the union government and to 11 telecom companies, including Idea, Tata Teleservices and Aircel.
The licenses, awarded in 2008, were grossly and deliberately under-valued by Mr Raja, according to a detailed report by the government's auditor. The same report said Mr Raja cost the government upto 1.76 lakh crores. In turn, the auditor's report cost Mr Raja his job as Telecom Minister in November last year. (Read: What is 2G spectrum scam?)
Two different petitions have asked the Supreme Court to cancel those licenses. They've been filed by Janata Party leader Subramanium Swamy and by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation. Both ask that a fresh auction be held for 2G spectrum. They stress that several licensees have failed to meet the terms of their contract or "rollout obligations" and have not launched the services required of them. The court slammed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for not stepping in earlier, and observed, "Why hasn't TRAI taken any action. It is the highest regulatory body. What were they doing? Consumers are meant to be the beneficiaries."
Kapil Sibal, who took over from Mr Raja as Telecom Minister, has said recently that licenses cannot be cancelled. Mr Sibal has also said that the auditor's report is "completely erroneous." In Mr Sibal's world view, the allocation of 2G spectrum did not result in any losses at all. Petitioner Mr Swamy said, "I have asked that Kapil Sibal be restrained from dealing with this matter because he is protecting those companies who got licenses in this irregular way." (Read: CAG's Rs. 1.76 lakh crore figure is 'completely erroneous', says Sibal)
That stand has been slammed by different Opposition parties, who all want a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the 2G scam. The government has held that's impossible. As a compromise, the Prime Minister has offered to answer 2G questions posed to him by parliament's Public Accounts Committee. Not good enough, says the Opposition, arguing that the PM cannot choose what forum to appear at. The Opposition also stresses that the mandate of the Public accounts Committee does not allow it to examine more complex issues like corruption in the government and governance.
Resource:- http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/2g-scam-supreme-court-to-hear-cancellation-plea-today-78205
Lawyer's Sugar Coated Lies in Court room may be Ethical, but as MP and Party's Spokesperson to cover up the LOOT and CHEAT the country is not only Unethical but a Criminal Offense. Lawyers MP as Congress Spokespersons are doing the same. Their MP seats and Bar Licenses must be suspended because of knowingly involved in crime to Cover up, Boost Corruption and Misguiding the Country. Honorable SC must also take note of it and issue notices to draw strict guidelines to them. RTI activists must be Protected and Honored as FREEDOM FIGHTERS from Corruptions. Their job of Expose the Corrupts are more Patriotic than Opposition Political Parties. 2g Scam is the direct attack on Indian Economy and all Culprits must be arrested under NSA. Thanks Dr Swamy. You are the true BHARAT RATNA.
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