Rajat Gupta's trial begins in New York Court

NEW YORK: The trial of former Indian- American Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta began here today in what is the most high profile case of insider trading in US history.

The trial began at US District Court, Southern Disctrict of New York with the judge Jed Rakoff meeting defence and procecution and sorting out routene issues and is expected to last for three weeks.

Gupta, 63, was also present in the cortroom. He appeared composed and was seen talking to his lawyers and taking down notes.

Gupta's lawyer Gary Naftalis told the judge that he would be making "three or four sentences about Gupta's charitable work in his opening remarks". The judge agreed to that.

The jury selection process is on. About 100 people have been called and jurors will be selected from them.

Gupta is the most high profile Wall Street executive to be charged in the government's crackdown on insider trading.