2G spectrum scam: OP Saini, the man who will rule on P Chidambaram

NEW DELHI: The spotlight turned to CBI Special Judge OP Saini, after the Supreme Court said it could not decide on then finance minister P Chidambaram's involvement in the 2G spectrum scam since the trial court was already seized of the matter.

Saini, who started out as a sub-inspector with Delhi Police, has been associated with several important judgments before he was tasked with exclusively handling the 2G trial, when the apex court directed the government to set up a special court for the purpose.

He is renowned for handing down tough judgments in cases relating to the shootout at Red Fort in 2000 and irregularities in awarding contracts for the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi in 2010. He proved his mettle especially in the Red Fort case, handling a complex case and pronouncing death sentence for the main accused, Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Mohammad Arif. The verdict was subsequently upheld by both the high court and the apex court.

But he is no stranger to corruption cases either, having denied bail to suspended Nalco chairman AK Srivastava, who was an accused in a bribery case.

Deciding on whether there is a prima facie case against Chidambaram for his role in the spectrum scam may be the high point of his career, though the judge has dealt with the high-profile accused in the 2G trial as a matter of routine. He has seen Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi weep in court, for instance, after he denied her bail. Now, he is all set to rule on Chidambaram.