2G scam: SC issues contempt notice to Sahara chief, Subrata Roy and 2 journalists for allegedly interfering in the case

NEW DELHI: Holding that there was prima facie case, the Supreme Court on Friday issued contempt notice to Sahara group chief Subrata Roy for allegedly interfering with the investigation in the 2G spectrum case. The apex court also issued notices to two journalists, Upendra Rai and Subodh Jain, for allegedly threatening and blackmailing Enforcement Directorate’s Investigating Officer Rajeshwar Singh, who is probing the case.

A bench of justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly sought response to the contempt notices within six weeks. “Having gone through the records we are prima facie of the view that an attempt has been made to interfere with the investigation conducted by Rajeshwar Singh in what has been described as 2G spectrum scam case and related matters. Therefore, we take suo motu congisance and issue notices to them,” the bench said.

The bench also banned Sahara India news network and its sister concerns from publishing and broadcasting any story or programme relating to Rajeshwar Singh in response to 25 questions sent by Subodh Jain to ED official. Jain had sent 25 questions to Singh seeking his reply to them which were personal in nature.

The court observed that this was an attempt to blackmail Singh as it was done after Sahara India chief was served with summons by the Enforcement Directorate to appear before it in connection with the investigation into the 2G scam.