CBI Court defers verdict on Kanimozhi's bail plea to May 20

NEW DELHI: After being decimated in the elections and knocked out of power in Tamil Nadu on Friday, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam escaped another potential embarrassment on Saturday as the CBI special court deferred its verdict on the bail application of Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi and Kalaignar TV managing director Sharad Kumar to May 20.

Kanimozhi, the daughter of DMK chief Karunanidhi, and Sharad Kumar hold 20% stake each in the party-controlled Kalaignar TV and have been charged by the CBI in accepting `209 crore as ‘illegal gratification’ or brides from DB Group in returns for favours former telecom minister A Raja had extended to that company and helping it obtain a telecoms licence.

“The order is deferred to May 20,” Special CBI Judge OP Saini said after marking the presence of all the accused including 43-year-old Kanimozhi. Justice Saini also asked why the court room contained so many journalists before passing his orders. CBI lawyer AK Singh told reporters outside the court that the Justice Saini’s orders were not ready, leading to the verdict being reserved for another week.

Kanimozhi was accompanied by husband G Aravindan and DMK parliamentary party leader TR Baalu. The court had on May 7 reserved its order on the bail pleas of Kanimozhi and Kumar after hearing extensive arguments by criminal lawyer Ram Jethmalani who, citing the charge sheet, blamed Raja for the offence attributed to Kanimozhi.