Essar Grpups’ plea against its probe by the CBI special court will come up for hearing before Supreme Court on February 17. It said that a magistrate should conduct the trail.

Essar has moved the apex court saying that they should not be investigated by the CBI as they have not been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Ruias, the promoters of Essar Group and the Khaitans figured in the third chargesheet filed by the CBI on December 12. They face accusation of creating Loop for getting more spectrum.

According to the agency Essar group floated Loop Telecom flouting telecom guidelines. Essar holds sizeable shares in the existing operating company Vodafone.

Essar Group’s Ravi Ruia, son Anshuman Ruia and Ruia brothers’ sister Kiran Khaitan and her husband IP Khaitan were also named in the new chargesheet.

Meanwhile, the CBI has withdrawn from the apex court application seeking clarification over proceedings against the Essar Group.