2G trial: Essar, Loop case hearing on January 10

Pleas of Essar Teleholdings and Loop Telecom claiming they cannot be tried by the 2G trial court will now be taken up on the January 10, reports CNBC-TV18.

The two companies are facing charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy in 2G spectrum case. They have stated that they cannot be tried by OP Saini court as they were not charged with any offence under the prevention of corruption act.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court today issued notices to CBI, enforcement directorate and the income tax department on a plea filed by Prashant Bhushan.

Bhushan's plea states that Loop and Essar have been charged with lesser offenses by CBI in the 2G case.  The plea further alleged that top CBI officials like director prosecution Abdul Aziz, whose son worked with Essar-Loop group,  ignored reports by investigating officers on the matter.

Bhushan also said that law minister Salman Khurshid interfered in the Loop-Essar matter. In addition, the pleas said that Shyam-Systema was not eligible for 2G licence as it did not meet the networth criteria. The SC will now hear the matter again on Jan 20.