SC questions TRAI's finding on exchequer loss in 2G scam

New Delhi, Sep 21 (PTI) Telecom regulator TRAI's report
purportedly assessing zero loss in 2G spectrum allocation
during the tenure of former Telecom Minister A Raja Wednesday
came under sharp criticism of the Supreme Court which
questioned the functioning of the autonomous body.
"We are really surprised over the communication. It was
created as an autonomous regulator. It is a serious debatable
issue what they have done and stated in recent days," a bench
of justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly said while indirectly
referring to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India report.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also expressed
concern over the findings of TRAI and said it has not accepted
the report.
"I agree that it is a matter of concern. We have not
accepted the report. Anybody (accused in the scam) can take
advantage of it," senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for
the agency submitted.
The bench also said "everything should have been left to
the court to decide. We have not made any observation so that
nobody is prejudiced."
"We will reserve our observation on this but this has
surprised us," the bench said.
The bench also expressed surprise over the difference in
computation between CBI and Comptroller and Auditor General of
India (CAG) on the loss to public exchequer due to
irregularities in spectrum allocation during Raja's tenure.
"CBI's estimate on loss is substantially lower than the
presumptive loss given by CAG. CBI came out with a concrete
figure that has been contested," the bench said.
CAG in its report has said there was a presumtive loss of
Rs 1.76 lakh crore but CBI in its charge sheet calculated the
loss to Rs 30,984 crore.
The bench also remarked on the use of term "alleged"
with the scam.
"Some people still call alleged 2G scam," the bench said.
Venugopal then replied "I call it 2G scam as the charge
sheet has been filed in the case".
The court made the remarks during the hearing of Janata
Party President Subramanian Swamy's plea seeking a CBI probe
against Home Minister P Chidambaram for his alleged
culpability in 2G scam.
Swamy alleged Chidambaram as the then Finance Minister
was party to a conspiracy with Raja in deciding the price for
spectrum, which was contested by CBI and the Centre.
CBI and the Centre opposed Swamy's plea saying it is
beyond the Supreme Court's jurisdiction to decide as the probe
into the multi-crore scam was complete and only the trial
court can entertain such a petition.