Advani's absence annoys Liberhan Commission

By J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI, MARCH 5. Annoyed at the failure of the Union Home Minister, Mr. L.K. Advani, to depose before it for the second time, the Justice Liberhan Commission probing the Ayodhya incident today directed him to appear positively on April 10 and 11.

The evidence of Mr. Advani, who has been cited as an accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case along with two other Union Ministers, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and Ms. Uma Bharti, is vital for the Commission to proceed further.

It also has significance in the context of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High court quashing the notification transferring the case against Mr. Advani and seven others from the regular sessions court to the CBI special court.

Mr. Justice M.S. Liberhan, who was irked by Mr. Advani's absence today, in his order said a number of adjournments had taken place. He pointed out that on the last date of hearing, adjournment was sought on the ground that Mr. Advani had to attend an important meeting in the north-east because of the special situation prevailing there. The order said the counsel for the witness had assured the Commission of his appearance on the next date of hearing which was fixed for March 5 and 6, keeping in view the availability and suitability of the dates as also the engagements of the witness in public interest.

Today, an application was moved by Mr. Advani's counsel stating that the witness had to leave for Andaman and Nicobar Islands to attend an urgent meeting in the Raj Niwas at Port Blair. It was stated that in spite of his best efforts, the visit could not be avoided because of the importance of the issue involved during this visit.

``Repeated adjournments sought are regretted. The counsel for the witness assures the appearance of the witness on the next date of hearing.

Keeping in view the constraints of the time schedule fixed for the Commission, the examination of Mr. Advani is adjourned to April 10 and 11,'' the Commission said and made it clear that no further adjournments would be granted to him.

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