New Delhi, Sept. 23 -- The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Wednesday sought a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) within four weeks in the case involving Zee founder Subhash Chandra's repayment plan, saying the agency's investigation into the matter could have a bearing on the proceedings.

Chandra's side opposed making the CBI a party to the case.

The NCLT also deferred the hearing, citing a shortage of benches at the tribunal. The five-member bench observed that continuing to hear the matter as a special bench could affect the functioning of the NCLT.

The tribunal directed all parties to file their respective responses before the next hearing.

A five-member special bench of the NCLT led by president Justic...