Justice RV Raveendran, one of the judges hearing the high-profile Ambani vs Ambani case, has dropped out of the case, citing a possible conflict of interest.
He said, "I came to know only yesterday that my daughter is associated with a firm which is advising RIL relating to global acquisitions. My conscience is clear that justice should not only be done but is seen to be done."
When the case began last month, Justice Raveendran told the court that he has shares in Mukesh Ambani's RIL; he offered to withdraw from the case if anyone had any objections. At that point, lawyers for both Mukesh and Anil Ambani said they were fine with his hearing the case.
Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani are battling over gas. Mukesh wants to revise the price at which Anil can buy gas from him. The price agreed upon is below market rates, and was arrived at through a family agreement.
With Justice Raveendran dropping out, six days have been lost; the case will start afresh on Thursday with a new bench. Justice Raveendran will be replaced by a new judge; there are two other judges hearing the case. The Chief Justice of India has committed that all hearings in the case will finish before the end of November.
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