Tuesday, October 18 2005 15:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today (Oct 18, 2005) admitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Delhi High Court judgement quashing all charges against the Europe-based Hinduja brothers in Bofors pay-off case.

Issuing notices to the CBI and Hindujas, a Bench comprising Chief Justice R C Lahoti and Justice P K Balasubramaniyan granted liberty to the petitioner to mention the matter for early hearing.

The petition challenges the May 31 verdict of Delhi High Court absolving the Hindujas's in the Bofors pay off case.

The advocate said he was compelled to file the petition against the High Court judgement as the CBI failed to approach the apex court with a Special Leave Petition within the 90-day deadline for filing an appeal.

The High Court had on May 31 quashed all charges against Hinduja brothers Srichand, Gopichand and Prakashchand and Bofors company and castigated the CBI for its handling of the case saying it had cost the exchequer about Rs 250 crore.