In a fresh turn of events, the Supreme Court, on 1 September, agreed to hear an appeal filed by BJP leader Ajay Kumar Agarwal challenging a 2005 Delhi High Court order quashing charges against Europe-based industrialists – the Hinduja brothers – in the politically-sensitive Bofors pay-off scam case.
A bench comprising, Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, said that it would list the appeal for hearing in the week commencing from 30 October this year.
The order came on an interim application, filed by Agarwal, seeking an early hearing and adjudication of the appeal filed against the Delhi High Court order in the Rs 64-crore scam case.
The CBI, which investigated the scam case, had not filed any appeal in the top court against the quashing of charges against certain accused within the stipulated 90-day period.
Agarwal, in his personal capacity, filed the appeal which was admitted by the apex court on October 18, 2005.
The Rs 1,437-crore deal between India and the Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors for the supply of 400 155mm Howitzer guns for the Indian Army was sealed on 24 March 1986. The Swedish Radio had, on 16 April 1987, claimed that the company had paid bribes to top Indian politicians and defence personnel.
The CBI had, on 22 January 1990, registered the FIR for the alleged offence of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery under the Indian Penal Code and other sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Martin Ardbo, the then President of AB Bofors, alleged middleman Win Chadda and the Hinduja brothers.
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