The Supreme Court on Friday decided to hear the politically sensitive Rs 64 crore Bofors pay-off case, amidst reports of a financial quid pro quo for the Rs 1,437 crore Howitzer gun contract in 1986. The issue would be heard in the week beginning 30 October.
BJP leader and advocate, Ajay Kumar Agarwal has challenged the Delhi HC May 31, 2005 order quashing all charges against Europe-based Hinduja brothers in the case. SC had on 18 October admitted his plea which was filed after the CBI failed to approach the top court.
The plea filed in SC by Agrawal has also alleged collusiveness by CBI. It said the agency did not challenge the Delhi High Court’s judgment quashing all charges against Hinduja brothers. The Swedish Radio on 16 April, 1987 had claimed that the company had paid money to top politicians and defence personnel.
The first charge sheet in the case was filed on 22 October, 1999 against alleged middleman Win Chadda, Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, then Defence Secretary SK Bhatnagar, Ardbo and the Bofors Company.
