Coal scam: Court to hear arguments on charges from September 14

NEW DELHI: A special court today decided to commence arguments next month on framing charges in a coal block allocation case in which ex-Coal Secretary H C Gupta and two others were summoned as accused.

Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar posted the matter for September 14 and 15 after the advocates appearing for Gupta, accused firm Pushp Steels and Mining Pvt Ltd (PSMPL) and its Director Atul Jain said the case be fixed for arguments on framing of charges.

"Counsel (for accused) have also very fairly stated that the matter may now be fixed for arguments on charge as in the meantime if any document is found deficient by them they will inspect the court file or coordinate with investigating officer (IO)," the court said.

"IO is also directed to coordinate with counsel for the accused persons so as to ensure that all the copies are supplied to them in legible condition. Put up on September 14 and 15 at 2.15 PM for arguments on charge," it said.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in allocation of a coal block in Madhya Pradesh to PSMPL.

The court had earlier granted bail to Gupta and Jain after they had appeared before it in pursuance to the summons issued against them.

The court had summoned Gupta, PSMPL and Jain, as accused for their alleged involvement in the allocation of Brahmapuri coal block in Madhya Pradesh to the company which resulted in loss to the government.

It had noted that Gupta, who was also the then Chairman of Screening Committee, had prima facie facilitated allocation of coal block to PSMPL "to the detriment of all other applicant companies."