Never paid any bribe or gratification to anyone: Tata

Mumbai, Aug 3 (PTI) Tata group Chairman Ratan Tata
Wednesday rejected allegations of giving bribe to former
telecom minister A Raja to secure 2G spectrum allocation and
said charges being made in the court proceedings were an
attempt at diversion.
Facing questions from a shareholder at the AGM of Tata
Steel company, he said unfortunately there are defamation laws
in the country and one can say anything in court and get away
with it.
"Not even one paisa was paid to Mr A Raja. The money was
for the hospital and medical equipment meant for people. Since
no hospital was built and no equipment was purchased, no money
was paid.
"We do not make payments in advance. The statements made
in courts are to create a diversion," Tata said while replying
to a question on reports that the company had paid Rs 20 crore
to a hospital in Raja's constituency.
Tuesday, jailed Swan Telecom's promoter Shahid Usman
Balwa had said that Tatas gave donation to the tune of Rs 20
crore to a hospital in south Indian state Tamil Nadu.
"We have not paid Rs 20 crore to A Raja. It's being said
in the court for other reasons of diversion," Tata told the
shareholders at the 104th AGM of Tata Steel.
"Lots of things we have not said in public because we
have given all the information to the agencies. Besides, the
matter is sub-judice and we may risk contempt of court, if we
see anything more," he said, adding, "We have never been asked
or given any sort of bribe or gratification to A Raja or
anybody else."
"I am sure, when the dust settles, things will become
clearer. Unfortunately, there are no defamation laws in this
country. But in a court they can make any statement they
like," Tata said.