Gender cannot be sole ground for bail: Court to Kanimozhi

NEW DELHI: The plea of "womanhood" raised by noted criminal lawyer Ram Jethmalani could not cut ice with a Delhi Court which today rejected the bail plea of DMK MP Kanimozhi saying that gender cannot be considered as a ground for relief in the 2G spectrum case.

"Sex is one of the grounds which may be considered at the time of grant of bail. However, considering the magnitude of the crime and the allegations against her, I am unable to show any consideration to her on this ground," special CBI Judge O P Saini said.

Earlier, Jethmalani, appearing for Kanimozhi had sought her release saying that she is a woman and consideration may be shown for her womanhood as such she deserves to be released on bail.

"Even in the cases of grievous nature like murder, an accused may be released on bail solely on the ground that she is a woman," Jethmalani had argued.

The court, however, refused to accept the submissions and said that in a case of such enormity, gender cannot be a ground for bail.

However, the "dignified" conduct of 43-year-old Kanimozhi during court proceedings did earn some special praise for her.

"I wish, I could show her some consideration, considering her extremely dignified conduct in the court," the CBI Judge said.

CBI had chargesheeted Kanimozhi on April 25 in the scam. It had indicted her for taking a bribe to the tune of Rs 200 crore, which was routed to Kalaignar TV, in which she has 20 percent stake.