Monday, May 9 2005 19:42 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: IAF officer Anjali Gupta today (May 9, 2005) questioned the jurisdiction of the General Court Martial (GCM) formed to try her on seven charges including insubordination and financial irregularities saying the case against her was not investigated properly.

Gupta's Defence Officer Wg Cdr Bhupesh questioned the court's jurisdiction under rule 59 of the Air Force rules and sought documents on her case and also to examine the Adjutant and the commandant of Aircraft and Systems Testing (ASTE), besides needing more time to interact with Gupta.

"The Commanding officer (at ASTE) has not applied rules and regulations clearly and the case has not been investigated in the manner it has to be," he objected, as Presiding Officer Group Captain V Ganesh began the process of arraignment against Gupta on the charges.

Bhupesh charged that IAF is not giving documents relevant to the case when asked orally and had directed him to approach them through the court. He sought some copies of the manuals of the Air Force for reference, for which the court offered the sets with it for him to study.

Prosecutor Wg Cdr R D Dubey said that the plea by Bhupesh under rule 59 does not hold good and said documents which are confidential could not be given, besides saying that it was not relevant to bring in evidence for questioning.

Irked by Bhupesh and charging him of delay tactics, the court earlier said, "The court does not believe in your verbal submissions, give it in writing?". The court adjourned for tomorrow (May 10, 2005) noon after allowing the plea partially.