2G spectrum case: Difference between revisions

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-The '''2G Spectrum Case''' is an ongoing<ref name='ongoing' /> alleged scam case in which politicians and private officials of the [[United Progressive Alliance]] coalition government in [[India]] are accused<ref>{{cite news |title=India's 2G scandal |publisher=BBC World News |date=11 November 2011}}</ref> of selling or allotting 122 [[2G]] [[spectrum license]]s on conditions that provided benefit to specific telecom operators, [[A. Raja]] (who was the telecom minister in 2007) is being accused of selling 2G spectrum licenses at a very low cost which resulted in the loss of ₹176,000 crore (US$25 billion).<ref>{{Cite web|title=2G Scam Explained|url=https://www.news18.com/news/immersive/2g-scam-explained.html|access-date=2021-09-18|website=News18.com|language=en}}</ref> Raja is also being accused of not following rules and regulations and also not recognizing any advice from the Ministries of [[Ministry of Finance (India)|Finance]] and [[Ministry of Law and Justice (India)|Law and Justice]] of India while allotting 2G spectrum licenses to telecom operators. Series of allegations are made on allotting 2G spectrum licenses including allegations from [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] after investigating the case alleging Raja for intentionally advancing the cut-off date (from 01/10/2007 to 25/09/2007)<ref>{{Cite news|others=PTI|date=2011-12-12|title=2G case: A chronology of events|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2g-case-a-chronology-of-events/article12151968.ece|access-date=2021-09-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> to favour some specific firms ([[Unitech Wireless]] and Swan Telecom), which were also ineligible for applying for telecom licenses, in return for bribes.
+The '''2G Spectrum Case''' is an ongoing<ref name='ongoing' /> alleged scam case in which politicians and private officials of the [[United Progressive Alliance]] coalition government in [[India]] are accused<ref>{{cite news |title=India's 2G scandal |publisher=BBC World News |date=11 November 2011}}</ref> of selling or allotting 122 [[2G]] [[spectrum license]]s on conditions that provided benefit to specific telecom operators, [[A. Raja]] (who was the telecom minister in 2007) is being accused of selling 2G spectrum licenses at a very low cost which resulted in the loss of ₹1,760 billion (US$25 billion).<ref>{{Cite web|title=2G Scam Explained|url=https://www.news18.com/news/immersive/2g-scam-explained.html|access-date=2021-09-18|website=News18.com|language=en}}</ref> Raja is also being accused of not following rules and regulations and also not recognizing any advice from the Ministries of [[Ministry of Finance (India)|Finance]] and [[Ministry of Law and Justice (India)|Law and Justice]] of India while allotting 2G spectrum licenses to telecom operators. Series of allegations are made on allotting 2G spectrum licenses including allegations from [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] after investigating the case alleging Raja for intentionally advancing the cut-off date (from 01/10/2007 to 25/09/2007)<ref>{{Cite news|others=PTI|date=2011-12-12|title=2G case: A chronology of events|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2g-case-a-chronology-of-events/article12151968.ece|access-date=2021-09-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> to favour some specific firms ([[Unitech Wireless]] and Swan Telecom), which were also ineligible for applying for telecom licenses, in return for bribes.
 On 21 December 2017, the special court in New Delhi after thorough examination of the case and hearing what the CBI had to say, acquitted all accused in the 2G spectrum case including prime-accused Raja and Kanimozhi.<ref name="2g Spectrum Scam">{{cite news|url=https://www.amarujala.com/india-news/2g-spectrum-scam-court-verdict-on-a-raja-and-kanimozhi|newspaper=Amar Ujala | title=2g Spectrum Scam Verdict Case: Court Judgement on a Raja And Kanimozhi | date=21 December 2017}}</ref>  The court ruled that this case was baseless. As per the judgement, "Some people created a scam by artfully arranging a few selected facts and exaggerating things beyond recognition to astronomical levels."<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/2g-scam-case-verdict-judge-op-saini-this-is-why-a-raja-and-kanimozhi-have-been-acquitted-4992445/ |title=Some People Created a Scam by Artfully Arranging a Few Selected Facts: 2G Case Judge |work=[[The Indian Express]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/2g-spectrum-verdict-no-proof-of-scam-says-court-a-scam-of-lies-says-congress/articleshow/62201212.cms |title=2G Spectrum Verdict: No Proof of Scam, Says Court |last=Garg |first= Abhinav  |date=22 December 2017 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
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 On 25 September 2007 the DOT announced on its website that applicants filing between 3:30 and 4:30&nbsp;pm that day would be granted licenses.<ref name="Chronology of 2G scam" /> Although the policy for awarding licences was [[first-come, first-served]], which was introduced during Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government, Raja changed the rules so it applied to compliance with conditions instead of the application itself.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/how-raja-misused-pms-letter-while-allocating-2g-licences-468877|title=How Raja misused PM's letter while allocating 2G licences|last1=Shrivastava|first1=Rahul|date=28 September 2011|agency=NDTV}}</ref> On 10 January 2008, companies were given only a few hours to supply Letters of Intent and payments; some executives were allegedly tipped off by Raja.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cag-findings-in-2g-spectrum-case-quite-erroneously-2001-values-in-2008-report-said-a-raja-4993690/|title=CAG findings in 2G spectrum case: 'Quite erroneously' 2001 values in 2008, report said|date=22 December 2017|work=The Indian Express|access-date=12 August 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>[https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/article22122355.ece/BINARY/2GCBIVsRaja CBI Vs. A. Raja and others], Case RC No: 45 (A) 2009, CBI, ACB, New Delhi</ref> Although the corporation was ineligible, Swan Telecom was granted a license<ref name="What is 2G Scam" /> for {{INRConvert|15.37|b|nolink=yes}} and sold a 45-percent share to the UAE-based [[Etisalat]] for {{INRConvert|42|b|nolink=yes}}.<ref name="What is 2G Scam" /> Unitech Wireless (a subsidiary of the [[Unitech Group]]) obtained a license for {{INRConvert|16.61|b|nolink=yes}}, selling a 60-percent share for {{INRConvert|62|b|nolink=yes}} to Norway-based [[Telenor]].<ref name="What is 2G Scam" />
-The following is a list of companies who received 2G licenses during Andimuthu Raja’s term as telecom minister;<ref>{{cite news|title=List of 122 licenses cancelled by Supreme Court|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/2g-scam-licenses-cancelled-by-supreme-court/1/171700.html|newspaper=India Today|date=2 February 2012|access-date=23 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SC cancels 122 licences: Are you affected?|url=http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5807414|publisher=MSN|access-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205001042/http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5807414|archive-date=5 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> the licenses were later cancelled by the Supreme Court:<ref>{{cite news|title=List of 122 cancelled 2G licenses;What should subscribers do|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2012/02/02/list-122-cancelled-2g-licenses-suggestion-subscribers-1.html|newspaper=One India News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=List of companies whose 2G licence were cancelled|url=http://www.odishatoday.com/viewnews.php?news_id=2545|newspaper=Odisha Today|access-date=24 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507012900/http://www.odishatoday.com/viewnews.php?news_id=2545|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
+The following is a list of companies who received 2G licenses during Andimuthu Raja's term as telecom minister;<ref>{{cite news|title=List of 122 licenses cancelled by Supreme Court|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/2g-scam-licenses-cancelled-by-supreme-court/1/171700.html|newspaper=India Today|date=2 February 2012|access-date=23 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SC cancels 122 licences: Are you affected?|url=http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5807414|publisher=MSN|access-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205001042/http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5807414|archive-date=5 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> the licenses were later cancelled by the Supreme Court:<ref>{{cite news|title=List of 122 cancelled 2G licenses;What should subscribers do|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2012/02/02/list-122-cancelled-2g-licenses-suggestion-subscribers-1.html|newspaper=One India News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=List of companies whose 2G licence were cancelled|url=http://www.odishatoday.com/viewnews.php?news_id=2545|newspaper=Odisha Today|access-date=24 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507012900/http://www.odishatoday.com/viewnews.php?news_id=2545|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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 |date=22 October 2011 |access-date=26 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="Zee News">{{cite web|title=2G: CBI files chargesheet against Raja, others|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/2g-cbi-files-chargesheet-against-raja-others_697148.html|publisher=Zee News|date=2 April 2011}}</ref><ref name="articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com">{{cite news|agency=ET Bureau|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-12-13/news/30511634_1_essar-and-loop-ip-khaitan-anshuman-ruia|title=2G scam: CBI files charge sheet against Loop Telecom owners & Ravi Ruia, Anshuman Ruia of Essar Group|work=The Economic Times|date=13 December 2011|access-date=23 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="http">{{cite news|agency=TNN|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-12/india/30508078_1_chargesheet-loop-telecom-ip-khaitan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192754/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-12/india/30508078_1_chargesheet-loop-telecom-ip-khaitan|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 October 2013|title=2G case: CBI files third chargesheet, names Ruias and Khaitans|date=12 December 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=23 July 2013}}</ref>
-===[[Andimuthu Raja]] ===
+====[[Andimuthu Raja|A. Raja]] ====
 *''Political career'': Four-time [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]] member of Parliament (currently member of [[Lok Sabha]] from [[Nilgiris (Lok Sabha constituency)|Nilgiris]], Tamil Nadu), former Union Minister of State for Rural Development (1999) and Health and Family Welfare (2003), former Union Cabinet Minister for Environment and Forests (2004) and Communication and Information Technology (2007 and 2009)<ref>{{cite news|title=A brief history of A. Raja|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-02/india/28354747_1_spectrum-scam-2g-15th-lok-sabha|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110021510/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-02/india/28354747_1_spectrum-scam-2g-15th-lok-sabha|url-status=dead|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=2013-11-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Who is A. Raja ?|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/who-is-a-raja-66405|newspaper=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=List of ministers for 14th lok sabha |url=http://www.vandeindia.com/list-of-ministers-for-14th-lok-sabha.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704035016/http://www.vandeindia.com/list-of-ministers-for-14th-lok-sabha.html |archive-date=4 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.winentrance.com/general_knowledge/a-raja-2.html|title=Biography of A. Raja |website=Winentrance.com|access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
 *''Allegation'': A joint investigative report by the CBI and the Income Tax Department alleged that Raja may have received a {{INRConvert|30|b|nolink=yes}} bribe for moving the cut-off date for spectrum applications forward.<ref name="Indianews Raja">{{cite news|title=A Raja made Rs 3,000cr in bribes |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-11/india/28545283_1_telecom-minister-raja-cut-off-date|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831072605/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-11/india/28545283_1_telecom-minister-raja-cut-off-date|url-status=dead|newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=2011-08-31}}</ref><ref name="Zeenews Raja">{{cite news|title=A Raja made Rs 3,000 cr in bribes|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/a-raja-made-rs-3-000-cr-in-bribes_686441.html|newspaper=Zee News|date=11 February 2011|access-date=23 July 2013}}</ref> The changed deadline eliminated many applications, enabling Raja to favour a few applicants.<ref name="Indianews Raja"/><ref name="Zeenews Raja"/> The agencies also alleged that he used accounts in his wife's name in Mauritius and Seychelles banks for the kickbacks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Raja took the money to the safest place, offshore|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2011/03/02/raja-parks-2g-loot-safe-abroad-aid0113.html|newspaper=One India News|date=2 March 2011|access-date=23 July 2013}}</ref> A CBI charge sheet alleged that Raja conspired with the accused and arbitrarily refined the first-come, first-served policy to ensure that Swan and Unitech received licences.<ref name="case against AG">{{cite news|title=The case against AG|url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main51.asp?filename=Ne110212Coverstory.asp|newspaper=Tehlka|date=11 February 2011|access-date=23 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925012123/http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main51.asp?filename=Ne110212Coverstory.asp|archive-date=25 September 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Instead of auctioning 2G spectrum, he sold it at the 2001 rate.<ref name="case against AG"/>
 *''Charges'': Criminal breach of trust by a public servant (section 409), criminal conspiracy (Section 120-B), cheating (Section 420) and forgery (Sections 468 and 471); booked under the [[Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988|Prevention of Corruption Act]] for accepting illegal gratification.<ref name="Charges"/><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite news|title=2G case: Charges framed against Raja, Kanimozhi and 15 other accused|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-22/india/30310438_1_framing-charges-swan-telecom-pvt-criminal-conspiracy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194627/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-22/india/30310438_1_framing-charges-swan-telecom-pvt-criminal-conspiracy|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 October 2013|date=22 October 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=23 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Jiby|last=Kattakayam|title=2G: charges framed against Raja, Kanimozhi, others; trial on 11 November|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2562158.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|date=22 October 2011|access-date=23 July 2013}}</ref>
-*''Status'': Arrested by the CBI on 2 February 2011.<ref name="Raja, Behura & Chandolia arrested">{{cite news|title=Nailed: CBI arrests Raja in 2G scam case|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/raja-likely-to-be-arrested-in-2g-scam-case/142180-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204175317/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/raja-likely-to-be-arrested-in-2g-scam-case/142180-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 February 2011|newspaper=IBN Live|date=2 February 2011|access-date=23 July 2013}}</ref> Applied for bail on 9 May 2012,<ref>{{cite news|title=Finally, Raja applies for bail, seeks parity |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Finally-Raja-applies-for-bail-seeks-parity/Article1-853103.aspx |newspaper=Hindustan Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031161834/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Finally-Raja-applies-for-bail-seeks-parity/Article1-853103.aspx |archive-date=31 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=A Raja, jailed for telecom scam, applies for bail, hearing on Friday|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/a-raja-jailed-for-telecom-scam-applies-for-bail-hearing-on-friday-208350|newspaper=NDTV}}</ref> which was granted on 15 May.<ref name="ndtv">{{cite news|title=Raja granted bail, whispered prayers as verdict was announced|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/a-raja-gets-bail-in-2g-case-210992|newspaper=NDTV}}</ref><ref name="Scam">{{cite news|title=2G scam: A Raja gets bail after 15 months in jail|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/2g-scam-raja-gets-bail-after-15-months-in-jail/258041-37-64.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516130530/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/2g-scam-raja-gets-bail-after-15-months-in-jail/258041-37-64.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-05-16|newspaper=IBN Live}}</ref><ref name="raja completes one year in jail">{{cite news|title=2G case: A Raja completes a year in Tihar Jail today|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/2g-case-a-raja-completes-a-year-in-tihar-jail/1/171634.html|newspaper=India Today}}</ref>
+*''Status'': Arrested by the CBI on 2 February 2011.<ref name="Raja, Behura & Chandolia arrested">{{cite news|title=Nailed: CBI arrests Raja in 2G scam case|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/raja-likely-to-be-arrested-in-2g-scam-case/142180-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204175317/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/raja-likely-to-be-arrested-in-2g-scam-case/142180-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 February 2011|newspaper=IBN Live|date=2 February 2011|access-date=23 July 2013}}</ref> Applied for bail on 9 May 2012,<ref>{{cite news|title=Finally, Raja applies for bail, seeks parity |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Finally-Raja-applies-for-bail-seeks-parity/Article1-853103.aspx |newspaper=Hindustan Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031161834/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Finally-Raja-applies-for-bail-seeks-parity/Article1-853103.aspx |archive-date=31 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=A Raja, jailed for telecom scam, applies for bail, hearing on Friday|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/a-raja-jailed-for-telecom-scam-applies-for-bail-hearing-on-friday-208350|newspaper=NDTV}}</ref> which was granted on 15 May.<ref name="ndtv">{{cite news|title=Raja granted bail, whispered prayers as verdict was announced|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/a-raja-gets-bail-in-2g-case-210992|newspaper=NDTV|access-date=18 January 2022|archive-date=29 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529123156/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/a-raja-gets-bail-in-2g-case-210992|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Scam">{{cite news|title=2G scam: A Raja gets bail after 15 months in jail|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/2g-scam-raja-gets-bail-after-15-months-in-jail/258041-37-64.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516130530/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/2g-scam-raja-gets-bail-after-15-months-in-jail/258041-37-64.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-05-16|newspaper=IBN Live}}</ref><ref name="raja completes one year in jail">{{cite news|title=2G case: A Raja completes a year in Tihar Jail today|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/2g-case-a-raja-completes-a-year-in-tihar-jail/1/171634.html|newspaper=India Today}}</ref>
 ====Kanimozhi Karunanidhi====
@@ Line 109: / Line 108: @@
 *''Status'': Arrested by the CBI on 20 April 2011<ref name="Top corporates arrested">{{cite news|title=2G scam: five corporate leaders sent to jail|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/2g-court-to-decide-on-bail-plea-of-5-accused/149716-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110423042515/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/2g-court-to-decide-on-bail-plea-of-5-accused/149716-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-04-23|newspaper=IBN Live}}</ref><ref name="5 Corporates arrested">{{cite news|title=2G scam nets 5 top honchos|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/2g-scam-nets-5-top-honchos/779058/|newspaper=Express India}}</ref> and granted bail on 24 November,<ref name=Bail>{{cite news|title=2G scam: Accused corporate executives walk out of Tihar after bail|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/2g-scam-accused-corporate-executives-walk-out-of-tihar-after-bail-152323|newspaper=NDTV}}</ref> As of 21 December 2017 he has been acquitted by a special CBI Court.<ref name="Special Court" />
-====Umashankar ====
+==== Dr.Umashankar ====
 *''Charges'': Criminal conspiracy to cause criminal breach of trust by a public servant, criminal conspiracy (Section 120-B), cheating (Section 420) and forgery (Sections 468 and 471); booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act<ref name="Charges"/>
 *''Allegations'': Former CBI prosecutor AK Singh was implicated in a taped conversation sharing legal strategy and privileged information with Umashankar.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/>
@@ Line 217: / Line 216: @@
 ===2008===
 * ''10 January'': The DoT decides to issue licences on first-come, first-served basis, advancing the cut-off date from 1 October to 25 September and announcing on its website that those applying between 3.30 and 4.30&nbsp;pm would be granted licences in accordance with policy.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.dot.gov.in/as/2008/press-release%20dated%2010-1-2008.pdf |title=DoT press release on 10 January 2008 regarding issuing LoIs |publisher=DoT |date=10 January 2008 |agency=DoT |access-date=14 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018225747/http://dot.gov.in/as/2008/press-release%20dated%2010-1-2008.pdf |archive-date=18 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.dot.gov.in/as/2008/second%20press-release%20dated%2010-1-2008.pdf |title=DoT 2nd press release on 10 January 2008 for collecting DoT's response on their license |publisher=DoT |date=10 January 2008 |access-date=14 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018222359/http://dot.gov.in/as/2008/second%20press-release%20dated%2010-1-2008.pdf |archive-date=18 October 2011 }}</ref>
-* Total collection from sale of 122 licenses was about 9200 Crore.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}}
+* Total collection from sale of 122 licenses was about 92 billion.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}}
 * Swan Telecom, Unitech and Tata Teleservices sell shares at much higher prices to Etisalat, Telenor and DoCoMo, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20081113/biz.htm#1 |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Business |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |access-date = 14 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/24/stories/2008092456572000.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927170727/http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/24/stories/2008092456572000.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=27 September 2008 | location=Chennai, India | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Etisalat buys stake in Swan Telecom | date=24 September 2008}}</ref><ref name="Unitech sheds 60% in telco to telenor">{{cite news | url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-10-30/news/27702265_1_norwegian-telecom-firm-telenor-telecom-venture-unitech-md-sanjay-chandra | title=Unitech sheds 60% in telco to telenor | work=The Times of India | date=30 October 2008<!--, 02.04&nbsp;am IST-->}}</ref>
@@ Line 335: / Line 334: @@
 ===2017===
-*''21 December:'' A special CBI court acquits everyone accused in the 2G spectrum case stating that the prosecution has failed to prove any charge against any of the accused, made in its well choreographed charge sheet.<ref name="Special Court" /><ref name="thehindu.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/article22122355.ece/BINARY/2GCBIVsRaja |title=Archived copy |website=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=3 January 2018 |archive-date=14 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914183609/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/article22122355.ece/BINARY/2GCBIVsRaja |url-status=dead }}</ref>
+*''21 December:'' A special CBI court acquits everyone accused in the 2G spectrum case stating that the prosecution has failed to prove any charge against any of the accused, made in its well choreographed charge sheet.<ref name="Special Court" /><ref name="O.P. Saini2009">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/article22122355.ece/BINARY/2GCBIVsRaja |title=In the Court of O. P. Saini: Spl. Judge, CBI (04)(2G Spectrum Cases), New Delhi |website=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=3 January 2018 |archive-date=14 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914183609/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/article22122355.ece/BINARY/2GCBIVsRaja |url-status=dead }}</ref> <!-- This reference could be changed to a court case citation-->
 ===2018===
@@ Line 381: / Line 380: @@
 In addition to Batelco's exit, on 21 February 2012 [[Telenor]] (the majority shareholder in [[Uninor]]) terminated its agreement with Unitech and sued it for "indemnity and compensation".<ref>{{cite news|title=Telenor dumps Unitech to form new company|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/telenor-india-idINDEE81K0FR20120222|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Telenor sues Unitech for compensation|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/227602/telenor-sues-unitech-compensation.html|newspaper=Deccan Herald}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Contest Telenor's demand for compensation: Unitech|url=http://www.sify.com/finance/contest-telenor-s-demand-for-compensation-unitech-news-national-mcqvungiejg.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110022906/http://www.sify.com/finance/contest-telenor-s-demand-for-compensation-unitech-news-national-mcqvungiejg.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-11-10|newspaper=Sify}}</ref> On 23 February 2012, Etisalat of Etasalat-DB Telecom sued DB Realty corporate promoters [[Shahid Balwa]] and [[Vinod Goenka]] for fraud and misrepresentation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Etisalat sues Balwa, Goenka|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Etisalat-sues-Balwa-Goenka/articleshow/12013354.cms|newspaper=Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Etisalat sues Vinod Goenka, Shahid Balwa for fraud|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_etisalat-sues-vinod-goenka-shahid-balwa-for-fraud_1653934|newspaper=DNA}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Etisalat drags Balwa & Goenka to court|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/2g-scam-etisalat-drags-jv-partners-to-court-for-fraud/1/175008.html|newspaper=India Today}}</ref>
-After the special CBI court verdict on 21 December 2017 acquitting all the accused, the government faces compensation claims worth over Rs 17,000 crore from telcos like Videocon Telecom, Loop Telecom and STel who suffered loss of business after the Supreme Court scrapped 122 licences in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://thewire.in/208072/2g-verdict-telecom-companies-sue-government-cancellation-licenses/ |title = After 2G Verdict, Telecom Companies to Sue Government over Cancellation of Licenses}}</ref>
+After the special CBI court verdict on 21 December 2017 acquitting all the accused, the government faces compensation claims worth over Rs 170 billion from telcos like Videocon Telecom, Loop Telecom and STel who suffered loss of business after the Supreme Court scrapped 122 licences in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://thewire.in/208072/2g-verdict-telecom-companies-sue-government-cancellation-licenses/ |title = After 2G Verdict, Telecom Companies to Sue Government over Cancellation of Licenses}}</ref>
 ==Aircel-Maxis deal controversy==
@@ Line 389: / Line 388: @@
 On 10 October, the CBI registered a case and raided properties owned by the Marans. CBI sources said that although no evidence of coercion was found in the Aircel sale, they found substantial evidence that Maran had favoured the company's takeover by Maxis and deliberately delayed Sivasankar's files.<ref name="Aircel-Maxis deal: CBI books Dayanidhi Maran, brother"/><ref name="Maran booked, raided"/><ref name="CBI books Maran brothers in Aircel-Maxis deal, raids premises"/> On 8 February 2012, the Enforcement Directorate registered a money-laundering case against the Maran brothers<ref name="ibnlive.in.com"/> for allegedly receiving illegal compensation of about {{INR}} 5.5&nbsp;billion in the Aircel-Maxis deal.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/>
-During the CBI probe Sivasankaran said that the Maran brothers had forced him to sell his 74% share in Aircel to Maxis by threatening his life, giving the CBI a list of over 10 witnesses. In September 2012, the CBI said it finished its Indian investigation and was awaiting the response to a [[letter rogatory]] sent to Malaysia and a questionnaire from T. Ananda Krishnan before filing a chargesheet.<ref name="Probe over, CBI soon to file chargesheet against Marans">{{cite news|title=Probe over, CBI soon to file chargesheet against Marans|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/93896-probe-over-cbi-soon-to-file-chargesheet-against-marans.html|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=The Daily Pioneer|date=11 September 2012}}</ref> On 29 August 2014, the CBI filed a [[chargesheet]] against Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran, Malaysian businessman T Ananda Krishnan, Malaysian national Augustus Ralph Marshall, six others and four firms&nbsp;— Sun Direct TV Pvt Ltd, Maxis Communication Berhad, Astro All Asia Network PLC and South Asia Entertainment Holding Ltd as accused in the case.<ref name="Court Reserves Order on CBI's Chargesheet">{{cite news|title=Court Reserves Order on CBI's Chargesheet |url=http://www.businessworld.in/news/business/telecom/aircel-maxis-case-court-reserves-order-on-cbi-s-chargesheet/1572226/page-1.html |access-date=6 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508225752/http://businessworld.in/news/business/telecom/aircel-maxis-case-court-reserves-order-on-cbi-s-chargesheet/1572226/page-1.html |archive-date=8 May 2015 }}</ref> On 29 October 2014, special CBI judge OP Saini said that he found enough evidence to proceed with the prosecution and hence summoned former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and others as accused.<ref name="Court summons Maran brothers">{{cite news|title=Court summons Maran brothers|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/dayanidhi-maran-summoned-as-accused-in-aircel-maxis-deal-case/article1-1280049.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029074941/http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/dayanidhi-maran-summoned-as-accused-in-aircel-maxis-deal-case/article1-1280049.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 October 2014|access-date=6 April 2015}}</ref> Based on the CBI chargesheet, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on 1 April 2015, attached Maran brothers' properties worth Rs 742 crore.<ref name="ED attaches Rs 742 crore assets of Marans">{{cite news|title=ED attaches Rs 742 crore assets of Marans|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-04-02/news/60756525_1_kalanithi-maran-maxis-communication-15-14-crore|access-date=6 April 2015}}</ref>
+During the CBI probe Sivasankaran said that the Maran brothers had forced him to sell his 74% share in Aircel to Maxis by threatening his life, giving the CBI a list of over 10 witnesses. In September 2012, the CBI said it finished its Indian investigation and was awaiting the response to a [[letter rogatory]] sent to Malaysia and a questionnaire from T. Ananda Krishnan before filing a chargesheet.<ref name="Probe over, CBI soon to file chargesheet against Marans">{{cite news|title=Probe over, CBI soon to file chargesheet against Marans|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/93896-probe-over-cbi-soon-to-file-chargesheet-against-marans.html|access-date=11 September 2012|newspaper=The Daily Pioneer|date=11 September 2012}}</ref> On 29 August 2014, the CBI filed a [[chargesheet]] against Dayanidhi Maran, his brother Kalanithi Maran, Malaysian businessman T Ananda Krishnan, Malaysian national Augustus Ralph Marshall, six others and four firms&nbsp;— Sun Direct TV Pvt Ltd, Maxis Communication Berhad, Astro All Asia Network PLC and South Asia Entertainment Holding Ltd as accused in the case.<ref name="Court Reserves Order on CBI's Chargesheet">{{cite news|title=Court Reserves Order on CBI's Chargesheet |url=http://www.businessworld.in/news/business/telecom/aircel-maxis-case-court-reserves-order-on-cbi-s-chargesheet/1572226/page-1.html |access-date=6 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508225752/http://businessworld.in/news/business/telecom/aircel-maxis-case-court-reserves-order-on-cbi-s-chargesheet/1572226/page-1.html |archive-date=8 May 2015 }}</ref> On 29 October 2014, special CBI judge OP Saini said that he found enough evidence to proceed with the prosecution and hence summoned former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran and others as accused.<ref name="Court summons Maran brothers">{{cite news|title=Court summons Maran brothers|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/dayanidhi-maran-summoned-as-accused-in-aircel-maxis-deal-case/article1-1280049.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029074941/http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/dayanidhi-maran-summoned-as-accused-in-aircel-maxis-deal-case/article1-1280049.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 October 2014|access-date=6 April 2015}}</ref> Based on the CBI chargesheet, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on 1 April 2015, attached Maran brothers' properties worth Rs 7,420 million.<ref name="ED attaches Rs 742 crore assets of Marans">{{cite news|title=ED attaches Rs 742 crore assets of Marans|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-04-02/news/60756525_1_kalanithi-maran-maxis-communication-15-14-crore|access-date=6 April 2015}}</ref>
 Subramanian Swamy alleged that in 2006 a company controlled by [[Karti Chidambaram]], the son of [[Minister of Finance (India)|Minister of Finance]] [[P. Chidambaram]], received a five-percent share of Aircel to get part of {{INR}} 40&nbsp;billion paid by [[Maxis Communications]] for the 74-percent share of Aircel. According to Swamy, Chidambaram withheld [[Foreign Investment Promotion Board]] clearance of the deal until his son received the five-percent share in Siva's company.<ref name="Govt’s defence of Chidambaram rings hollow">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/home/online-channel/360-todays-newspaper/63605-govts-defence-of-chidambaram-rings-hollow.html | title=Govt's defence of Chidambaram rings hollow | work=The Pioneer | date=8 May 2012 | access-date=10 May 2012}}</ref> The issue was raised a number of times in [[Indian Parliament|Parliament]] by the opposition, which demanded Chidambaram's resignation.<ref name="Aircel-Maxis Deal: Parliament Disrupted Over PC's Role">{{cite news | url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=761922&commentid=49662#49662 | title=Aircel-Maxis Deal: Parliament Disrupted Over PC's Role | work=Outlook India | date=8 May 2012 | access-date=10 May 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110022112/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=761922&commentid=49662#49662 | archive-date=10 November 2013}}</ref> Although he and the government denied the allegations,<ref name="Aircel-Maxis Deal: PC Dismisses Charges as Reckless">{{cite news|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=762153 |title=Aircel-Maxis Deal: PC Dismisses Charges as Reckless |work=Outlook India |date=10 May 2012 |access-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510162107/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=762153 |archive-date=10 May 2012 }}</ref> ''[[The Pioneer (newspaper)|The Pioneer]]'' and ''[[India Today]]'' reported the existence of documents showing that Chidambaram delayed approval of the [[foreign direct investment]] proposal by about seven months.<ref name="Govt’s defence of Chidambaram rings hollow"/><ref name="Document shows Chidambaram delayed Aircel-Maxis deal by 7 months">{{cite news | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/document-shows-chidambaram-delayed-aircel-maxis-deal/1/187868.html | title=Document shows Chidambaram delayed Aircel-Maxis deal by 7 months | work=India Today | date=8 May 2012 | access-date=10 May 2012}}</ref><ref name="Govt trapped in own web of deceit">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/home/online-channel/360-todays-newspaper/63884-govt-trapped-in-own-web-of-deceit.html | title=Govt trapped in own web of deceit | work=The Pioneer | date=9 May 2012 | access-date=10 May 2012}}</ref>
@@ Line 400: / Line 399: @@
 In early November 2010 [[Jayalalithaa]] accused state chief minister [[M Karunanidhi]] of protecting Raja from corruption charges, calling for Raja's resignation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/11/02/2g-spectrum-scam-karunanidhi-protecting-union-minister-raja-extraneous-reasons-jayal |title=2G Spectrum Scam: Karunanidhi protecting union minister Raja for extraneous reasons- Jayalalithaa charges |first=Sathyalaya|last=Ramakrishnan |date=2 November 2010 |publisher=[[Asian Tribune]] |access-date = 4 December 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101120090949/http://asiantribune.com/news/2010/11/02/2g-spectrum-scam-karunanidhi-protecting-union-minister-raja-extraneous-reasons-jayal| archive-date= 20 November 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> By mid-November, Raja resigned.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/telecom-minister-a-raja-resigns/710950/ |title=Telecom Minister A Raja resigns |date=14 November 2010 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date = 4 December 2010}}</ref> At that time, comptroller [[Vinod Rai]] issued show-cause notices to Unitech, S Tel, Loop Mobile, Datacom (Videocon) and Etisalat to respond to his assertion that the 85 licenses granted to these companies did not have the capital required at application or were otherwise illegal.<ref name="fivetelcos">{{cite news |title=2G scam: Govt to pull up five telcos |author=Joji Thomas Philip |date=18 November 2010 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |publisher=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref> It was speculated that because these companies provide some consumer service, they would receive large fines but retain their licenses.<ref name="fivetelcos"/>
-In June 2011 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh criticised the CAG for commenting on policy issues, warning it "to limit the office to the role defined in the constitution."<ref name="pmhitsout">{{cite web |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-30/india/29720931_1_2g-telecom-minister-vinod-rai |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190212/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-30/india/29720931_1_2g-telecom-minister-vinod-rai |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 October 2013 |title=PM hits out at CAG on 2G, oil firms |date=30 June 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |publisher=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref> After Singh's criticism the CAG conducted a "rigorous internal appraisal" and stood by its findings, citing additional events as corroboration. The CAG reiterated that there was "an undeniable loss to the exchequer", the calculation of which was based on three estimates: the 3G auctions and the Swan and Unitech transactions. It cited the Supreme Court ruling of 2 February 2012 that the actions of Raja and officers at the Department of Telecom were "wholly arbitrary, capricious and contrary to the public interest, apart from being violative of the doctrine of equality. The material produced for the quote showed that the Minister for C&IT wanted to favour some companies at the cost of the public exchequer." It said its estimate of loss of 1.76-lakh crore was justified, since the May 2012 TRAI collation of reserve prices for 2G spectrum was about the same as that in the November 2010 CAG report. TRAI had recommended a reserve price for 2G spectrum of {{INR}} 180&nbsp;billion for a pan-India 5&nbsp;MHz licence, higher than the 3G value of {{INR}} 167.50&nbsp;billion for 5&nbsp;MHz used by the CAG for arriving at a loss figure of {{INR}} 1,760&nbsp;billion. It concluded that it was only examining the "implementation of policy", and policy-making was the government's prerogative.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3603229.ece|title=After rigorous self-appraisal, CAG sticks to its guns on 2G|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=5 July 2012|access-date=8 July 2012|last1=Singh|first1=Shalini}}</ref>
+In June 2011 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh criticised the CAG for commenting on policy issues, warning it "to limit the office to the role defined in the constitution."<ref name="pmhitsout">{{cite web |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-30/india/29720931_1_2g-telecom-minister-vinod-rai |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190212/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-30/india/29720931_1_2g-telecom-minister-vinod-rai |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 October 2013 |title=PM hits out at CAG on 2G, oil firms |date=30 June 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |publisher=[[The Times Group]]}}</ref> After Singh's criticism the CAG conducted a "rigorous internal appraisal" and stood by its findings, citing additional events as corroboration. The CAG reiterated that there was "an undeniable loss to the exchequer", the calculation of which was based on three estimates: the 3G auctions and the Swan and Unitech transactions. It cited the Supreme Court ruling of 2 February 2012 that the actions of Raja and officers at the Department of Telecom were "wholly arbitrary, capricious and contrary to the public interest, apart from being violative of the doctrine of equality. The material produced for the quote showed that the Minister for C&IT wanted to favour some companies at the cost of the public exchequer." It said its estimate of loss of 1.76 trillion was justified, since the May 2012 TRAI collation of reserve prices for 2G spectrum was about the same as that in the November 2010 CAG report. TRAI had recommended a reserve price for 2G spectrum of {{INR}} 180&nbsp;billion for a pan-India 5&nbsp;MHz licence, higher than the 3G value of {{INR}} 167.50&nbsp;billion for 5&nbsp;MHz used by the CAG for arriving at a loss figure of {{INR}} 1,760&nbsp;billion. It concluded that it was only examining the "implementation of policy", and policy-making was the government's prerogative.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3603229.ece|title=After rigorous self-appraisal, CAG sticks to its guns on 2G|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=5 July 2012|access-date=8 July 2012|last1=Singh|first1=Shalini}}</ref>
 =={{anchor|Joint Parliamentary Committee}}Joint parliamentary committee==
@@ Line 450: / Line 449: @@
 ==Verdict==
-On 21 December 2017, a Special CBI Court acquitted all the persons accused in the case.<ref name="thehindu.com"/><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/article22122270.ece/BINARY/2GCaseJudgment] {dead link|date=November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2g-scam-verdict-reactions/article22121788.ece|title=2G case verdict - Updates: presumptive loss in spectrum allocation was 'cooked up', says Raja|author=|date=21 December 2017|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/telecom/2g-scam-verdict-a-raja-kanimozhi-cag-vinod-rai-spectrum/story/266449.html|title=2G scam verdict: All 18 accused including A Raja acquitted, Congress seeks ex-CAG Vinod Rai's apology|website=Businesstoday.in}}</ref>
+On 21 December 2017, a Special CBI Court acquitted all the persons accused in the case.<ref name="O.P. Saini2009"/><ref>{{cite web |title=In the Court of O. P. Saini: Spl. Judge, CBI (04)/PMLA (2G Spectrum Cases), New Delhi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/article22122270.ece/BINARY/2GCaseJudgment |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205191535/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/article22122270.ece/BINARY/2GCaseJudgment |archive-date=5 December 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2g-scam-verdict-reactions/article22121788.ece|title=2G case verdict - Updates: presumptive loss in spectrum allocation was 'cooked up', says Raja|author=|date=21 December 2017|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/telecom/2g-scam-verdict-a-raja-kanimozhi-cag-vinod-rai-spectrum/story/266449.html|title=2G scam verdict: All 18 accused including A Raja acquitted, Congress seeks ex-CAG Vinod Rai's apology|website=Businesstoday.in}}</ref>
 ==See also==