2G: Shahid Balwa takes shield of Vahanvati

Swan Telecom Promoter Shahid Balwa, facing trial along with former Telecom Minister A Raja and 15 others in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case, on Wednesday told a special court that then Solicitor General (SG) G E Vahanvati had said that the firm was eligible for the licenses.

While advancing final arguments, Balwa's counsel told Special Judge O P Saini that the then SG had been consulted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2009, and had opined that Swan Telecom (STPL), also an accused in the 2G case, had fulfilled all the necessary conditions for licences.

“After going through the files, the SG was of the opinion that nothing was lacking in the eligibility of the firm. Same conclusions were reached by then Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura and the SG was of the opinion that Behura did no wrong in recommending the firm,” advocate Vijay Aggarwal, appearing for Balwa, said.