High drama grips Patiala House court

NEW DELHI: A few meters away from the India Gate, Patiala House Court complex has for long been the arena for many historic trial cases.
From the very beginning, the 2G case has been going on in the premises of this crowded, often chaotic, court complex, operating out of a former palace. Even by the chaotic standards of the court, on Saturday the anticipation was unprecedented.
CBI Special Judge O P Saini arrived around 9.30 am to deliver the most important order since he started hearing the 2G case.
Saini, a man of few words, would have still been part of Delhi Police that reports to P Chidambaram, had he not donned the black robe and entered the legal service. But none of the past, nor the media clamour, was expected to affect Saini, hearing Independent India’s biggest scam.
On Saturday morning, as media crowded into the court premises— several dozen OB vans, numerous cameras and dozens of reporters—the surcharged atmosphere and building anticipation couldn’t foretell what was in store. Police security for the premise had been stepped up to manage the unprecedented situation.
For the first time, the courtroom was barred to all. Into the empty courtroom, Saini summoned Dr Subramanian Swamy, who had moved the demand for prosecuting Chidambaram, at 10 am.
Swamy emerged a few minutes later, and announced to the media that he has been asked to come back at 12.30 noon. “Things are looking positive,” he announced, in his usual exuberant style.
The wait outside prolonged.
As the political class of New Delhi sat glued to their TV sets, the occupant of 19 Safdarjung Road stayed indoors too. Chidambaram was in his house until the judgment was delivered. The only visitor was the chief of Intelligence Bureau for his scheduled morning visit.
At 12.15 pm, Swamy and his lawyer-wife Roxana, along with a couple of other lawyers, went back to the courtroom. They didn’t come out for a long time. A few minutes after 1 pm, judge Saini came into the court room. Almost simultaneously, the impatient media too was let into the court.
Within few moments, Saini said, “Petition dismissed.” And he left.