R L Chugh, who has taken over as the new special judge, will hear the case for the first time, CBI sources said.

The Europe-based Hinduja brothers - Srichand, Prakashchand and Gopichand - the Kuala Lumpur-based Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, former Bofors agent Win Chadha, former defence secretary S K Bhatnagar, the then Bofors chief Martin Ardbo and the Swedish arms manufacturer are facing trial on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating and corruption.

Last month, Chugh's predecessor Bharihoke had rejected Hindujas' application seeking permission to leave the country. The Hindujas, who had appeared before the court on January 19, challenged the trial court order in the high court. The high court is yet to decide on the issue.

Chadha was also denied permission to leave the country after he appeared before the court last year. However, he was granted bail. Bhatnagar is also on bail.

The CBI is likely to file a detailed report regarding the extradition proceedings against Quattrocchi in Malaysia as also the progress made on the red alert issued against Ardbo.

As reported earlier, the Bofors company had already submitted itself to the jurisdiction of the court and appointed a Delhi-based advocate to attend trial proceedings on its behalf.

(PTI)