The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has questioned the maintainability of the petitions filed by Sun TV Network Limited and Kal Comm Pvt Limited in the Madras High Court, seeking the quashing of ED’s order attaching the assets of these firms worth Rs. 742.58 crore in connection with the Aircel-Maxis case.
In its counter, the ED contended that the petitions were not maintainable in view of the Supreme Court’s directions in the case. The apex court had been continuously monitoring all the cases arising out of 2G spectrum scam since February 16, 2010.
A blanket order dated February 10, 2011 and April 11, 2011 passed by Supreme Court restricted any court from entertaining petitions in the matter. As for appropriate remedy arising out of these matters, “it is the Supreme Court which will be the sole judicial forum for deciding such matters,” the counter stated.
When the case came up for hearing before Justice M. Sathyanarayanan, Additional Solicitor General of India G. Rajagopalan said the case was being continuously monitored by the Supreme Court, which has also observed that any other court hearing the matter would impede the investigation by the CBI and the ED.
Counsel for petitioners P.S. Raman recalled an undertaking given by the companies in connection with the case and sought a stay on the ED order.
Observing that neither of the parties had approached the Supreme Court to get a clarification on the matter, the judge said the case shall remain in the list.
