Date:21/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/21/stories/2007062157440300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Telgi case ruling today

Staff Reporter

Telgi pleads for minimum punishment
Says his wife is ailing, needs his attention

BANGALORE: The Special Court trying cases relating to the multicrore stamp paper racket on Wednesday adjourned pronouncement of sentence against Abdul Kareem Telgi and two doctors to Thursday.

On Tuesday, Judge Vishwanath Virupax Angadi found the doctors of Victoria Hospital – Jnanendrappa and Channakeshava, guilty of accepting a bribe from Telgi, the prime accused in the racket, for issuing false medical certificates. These certificates were used by Telgi to get bail. All the three were convicted for offences under Section 120 (B) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 7, 12, 13 (2) read with 13 (1) (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. On Wednesday, the judge heard arguments on the quantum of punishment. Making a plea for minimum punishment, Telgi’s advocate S.B. Rajanna said his client was suffering from several ailments. Telgi needs to attend to his wife who has been bedridden for a while.

Mr. Rajanna said Telgi had been convicted in two other cases and he was in the prison for more than five years.

Senior advocate S. Shankarappa made the same plea on behalf of the doctors stating that the two were needed for the service of society.

Senior Special Public Prosecutor for the Central Bureau of Investigation B.R. Nanjundaiah said the doctors should be awarded maximum punishment.